Shas

First openly-gay Likud MK responds to haredi snub

Likud's newest MK, Amir Ohana, says he'd be delighted if haredi MKs continued to absent themselves from his Knesset speeches.

Yishai, Marzel: Shas activist's 'libel' lost us the election

Yachad party candidates sue Shas activist over charges his rumor-mongering damaged party's chances of passing electoral threshold.

Govt. approves zero-VAT on public transportation

The government made two major compromises with its coalition partners in order to ensure that the state budget is passed by Wednesday.

Yishai rejects Deri's reconciliation offer

Yishai says Shas chairman's offer is nothing but a political spin.

Deri makes surprising reconciliation offer to Yishai

In huge political curve ball, Shas head proposes Yishai disband Yachad and return, offering to cover his campaign debts.

'Deri has seven mandates, is doing zero work'

Yachad head Yishai condemns Shas head for quitting Economics Ministry, and ignoring his campaign promises to the poor.

Bill: Ban Parties Who Don't Include Women from the Knesset

Bill on the table to ban parties from Knesset which refuse to include women - a practice notably and consistently held by haredi parties.

Sources: Shabbat Train Shutdown Part of Deri's Personal Agenda

Transport Ministry officials say latest decision reflects Economy Minister's tendency to 'shirk all responsibilities.'

Uproar Over Train Shutdown for Shabbat

Israel rail workers aghast at Economy Ministry decision to shut down maintenance work on Shabbat noting travelers could be stranded.

Shas Official Accused of Years-Long Sexual Abuse

Israel Police are considering indicting a senior Shas employee suspected of sexually abusing his 33-year-old relative for 12 years.

Haredi Paper Attacks 'Rebellious' Conversion Court Backers

Yom Leyom, the voice of haredi party Shas, comes out strongly against conversion courts that circumvent the Rabbinate.

Minister Calls to Bring Haredi Extremists to Justice

Economics Minister Aryeh Deri condemns mob which injured firemen on Sunday, saying they should be prosecuted to full extent of the law.

New Kosher Law to Shore Up 'Holes' in Supervision

A new law that would significantly restrict the definition of 'kosher' at food establishments was approved for legislation Sunday.

Edelstein: Coalition 'Could Change Soon,' Maybe for the Better?

Prime Minister Netanyahu worked hard to put together his coalition - but it is likely to change, said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.

Special interview

Rabbi Riskin: Reform or Orthodox, We Must Embrace Every Jew

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin slams Shas minister for remarks against Reform Jews, asserts 'we can only bring people closer to Torah through love.'

Rabbi: Repeal of Conversion Law Will Encourage Intermarriage

The government on Sunday canceled the conversion reform law Sunday - to the dismay of Rabbi David Stav of the Tzohar organization.

Jewish Home Enraged by Approval of Shas 'Reforms'

Jewish Home officials slam Likud for stealing Religious-Zionist votes in last election and now doing everything to service haredi parties.

Will Shas Turn Back the Clock on Rabbinate Reforms?

Conversion law may be overturned and Religious Affairs Ministry to take control of rabbinical courts, should Shas reforms pass.

Kosher Food Labels Cooking Up a Coalition Crisis

Fight between Shas and Kulanu could turn into the first major coalition crisis for Binyamin Netanyahu's relatively new government.

Did Haredi Parties Mislead Herzog on Left-Wing Government?

Did haredi parties mislead Yitzhak Herzog about their intention to form a coalition with them? Zionist Union leader isn't sure.

Enough is enough

Government Vows to End Arab Desecration of Ancient Cemetery

Religious Affairs Min. says doubling security budget for Mount of Olives is part of Shas coalition deal; 'Jews afraid to bury their dead.'

Yishai: Deri Turned Shas Into North Korea

Dealing with campaign debt, Yishai rules out rapprochement with 'dictator' Deri, says he was too 'soft' on him.

What Will Happen to Jewish Home's Jewish Identity Program?

Jewish Home launched program to teach more Torah to the wider public, but Shas being in control could see a backtrack, Rabbi says.

A-G: It Will be Difficult to Defend Deri Appointment

Attorney General Weinstein says it will be difficult for him to defend Deri's appointment as Economy Minister to the Supreme Court.

Shas Coalition Deal Includes Synagogues, Haredi Housing

Shas has succeeded in 'rolling back the clock' on many of the 'edicts' from the previous government, its coalition agreement shows.

Herzog: PM Dug Himself a Pit, I Will Not Throw Him a Rope

Labor leader Yitzhak Herzog insists Netanyahu should not count on him to bail out latest government when push comes to shove.

Lapid: 'Suckers' Lose Again as Yeshiva Students to Get IDF Pass

Yesh Atid MKs and supporters conducted a protest against the expected repeal of sanctions on yeshiva students who don't serve in the IDF.

Shas, Likud Sign Coalition Agreement

Under agreement, Deri to be appointed Economy Minister; Shas to receive two Ministries and several deputy positions.

Jewish Home, Shas Mulling Deal to 'Split' Religious Affair Min.

Who will be in charge of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has become the last major sticking point for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Clock Ticking on Coalition Talks

As deadline looms, Likud's major problem is finding a solution to Religious Affairs debate as well as keeping Yisrael Beytenu in line.

Deri: I Will Not Accept a Deputy Minister from Jewish Home

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri says Religious Affairs Ministry will remain squarely in hands of Shas, with no interference from Jewish Home.

Netanyahu, Deri Set to Meet: Deal Imminent?

After deals were closed with UTJ and Kulanu, Shas appears to be next to sign onto Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's new government.

Source: Plenty of 'Jobs' Left for Likud MKs

Likud MKs have expressed concern that there will be nothing left over for them - but a party source promised them at least 12 ministries.

Aryeh Deri Drops Demand for Interior Ministry

Shas head convicted of bribery during his last interior ministry stint tell Army Radio he's giving up on the ministry 'to prevent slander.'

Deri and Bennett Continue to Feud Over Religion Ministry

With UTJ and Kulanu on board, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu turns his attention to finishing off deals with Shas and Jewish Home.

Source: Netanyahu Has Had It 'Up to Here' With Shas, Jewish Home

With less than a week to go before his deadline, PM Netanyahu is said to be ready to give up on deals with Aryeh Deri and Naftali Bennett.

Shas Levels its Demands to Return to Coalition Talks

Deri tells press conference he won't return to talks with Likud without at 0% VAT on basic goods and a 'social toolbox,' after UTJ deal.

Deri-Yishai Saga in Shas Continues Even Post-Elections

Parliamentary aide asserts that boss, Shas MK Yaakov Margi, will not receive ministerial role because of aide's own relation to Eli Yishai.

Deri Refuses to Accept Economy Ministry

After complaining that Netanyahu had not given him a concrete offer on the Interior Ministry, Deri refuses to accept Economy Ministry.

Did Deri Just Threaten to Abandon Bibi for Buji?

Claiming he has not received a conclusive ministry offer from Netanyahu, Shas head Aryeh Deri says he's weighing his next steps.

Netanyahu Faces Uphill Battle to Form Coalition

Likud presents two initiatives Kulanu opposes and conflict continues over religious affairs post, leaving Netanyahu with mess on his hands.

Shas MK: Government Will be Formed, Despite Misgivings

Shas MK Yaakov Margi is very optimistic that things will work out with all of the Likud's “natural partners."

Sealing the deal?

Netanyahu Offers Aryeh Deri Transportation Ministry

PM makes offer apparently meant to work out conflict between Deri and Kahlon, and seal Kulanu coalition deal.

With Shas, UTJ, and Kulanu On Board, How Can PM Finalize Gov't?

Shas, UTJ, and Kulanu all close to a final deal with Likud - leaving Netanyahu with two main options to concretize his fourth government.

Will Increasing Number of Ministers Affect Coalition Talks?

Despite opposition from most parties, it remains unlikely Likud's wise to raise number of ministerial posts will blow up negotiations.

Mass voting scandal

Shas Activists Caught on Tape Guiding Voter Fraud

Recordings reveal how Shas activists used 'tiny scribbles' and more to cheat democracy, leaving Yachad around 11,000 votes short.

Sources: Things Coming Together for Netanyahu Govt. Deal

Prime Minister and Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu met with Kulanu head Moshe Kahlon for some three hours Sunday. An agreement may be near.

Scrambling Likud Resumes Coalition Talks

18 days after receiving the mandate to form a government, Likud hopes to finally concretize deals with both United Torah Judaism and Shas.

Source: Likud Ready to Announce Deal With Shas, UTJ

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is set to announce his first coalition agreement next week, sources in the Likud said.

Deri: Jewish Home Failed Us, Needs to Compromise

Promising to revitalize Shas' education network, Aryeh Deri charges haredim should get Religious Affairs Committee over Jewish Home.

Investigation into Shas Voting Fraud Takes Off

After witnesses claimed Shas paid them for votes, the Attorney General and Israel Police have been approached to start an investigation.

Voter fraud?

Report: Shas Bribed Citizens for Votes

Multiple witnesses claim Shas paid them up to 300 NIS for votes; one activist complicit in the bribery confirms; Shas denies involvement.

Shas Mega-Event Expected to Draw 'Thousands'

Chol HaMoed event expected to speak to the power of Shas, despite low seat turnout in elections.

Former Shas MK: Stop Eli Yishai Hate Before It's Too Late

Something must be done to bring the divisions between supporters of Aryeh Deri and Eli Yishai under control, says outgoing MK Nissim Ze'ev.

Jewish Home, Shas At War Over Ministries?

Tension builds between potential coalition partners as Shas asks to free Religious Affairs Ministry from Jewish Home 'imprisonment.'

Netanyahu Reportedly to Give Haredi Parties What They Want

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with haredi parties UTJ and Shas, indicating ministry allotment that may harm religious Zionist interests.

Netanyahu to Meet with Haredi Parties for Coalition Talks

Rumors abound that Netanyahu could give UTJ chairman Yaakov Litzman Health Ministry, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri Interior Ministry.

Three Arrested Over Molotov Cocktail Attack at Yachad Rally

One adult, two minors arrested on suspicions of launching Molotov cocktails at a Yachad rally outside of former MK Eli Yishai's home.

Lapid to Netanyahu: Choose Anyone But Deri as Minister

Former Finance Minister begs Netanyahu not to choose Deri for Interior Minister, cites Shas chairman's jail stint for corruption.

Yachad's Leading Rabbi Blames Shas for Elections Failure

Shas lied to the public to ensure Yachad's failure, Rabbi Meir Mazuz says; 'one day, all these lies will fall like a house of cards.'