Shas chairman Aryeh Deri issued an unequivocal public commitment that his party will not join — or allow the formation of — any future Israeli government unless legislation securing the status of yeshiva bochurim is passed first.

The pledge comes under the direction of the Shas Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah and Rishon L’Tzion HaRav Yitzchak Yosef, amid the escalating draft crisis and renewed arrests of yeshiva bochurim.

“The Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah instructed us, and we announced it explicitly,” Deri said. “Maran the Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon Rav Yitzchak Yosef also announced at the opening of Shas’s election campaign: Shas will not enter a government and will not allow a government to be formed without first passing the law regulating the status of Torah learners.”

Deri made clear that legislation protecting bnei yeshivos would have to be completed before Shas even begins negotiating over government positions, budgets or other coalition demands.

Shas officials told Kikar HaShabbat that the commitment leaves potential coalition partners with no room for misunderstanding.

“Deri left no room for maneuver,” a Shas official said. “We have made it clear to all potential partners — anyone who wants Shas in the government must understand that the issue of Torah learners, which is at the heart of the Chareidi community, is not a matter for bargaining. First, the law will be passed and the status of yeshiva bochurim will be regulated, and only afterward will we discuss positions and budgets.”

The declaration comes as the draft crisis continues to intensify, with arrests of yeshiva bochurim and threats of renewed enforcement fueling growing anger throughout the Chareidi community.

Earlier this week, an attempt to arrest a yeshiva bochur in Modi’in triggered a massive gathering and ultimately ended with his release. Two additional bnei yeshivos were recently arrested in Eilat, including a Chevron Yeshiva bochur and a recently married Yerushalmi kollel yungerman.

The IDF has meanwhile announced that proactive enforcement against draft evaders will resume during October.

Against that backdrop, Deri is drawing a firm line ahead of the formation of Israel’s next government: Shas will not simply demand a draft law during coalition negotiations. According to his commitment, the law protecting the status of bnei yeshivos must be passed first.

Only then, Deri says, will Shas discuss joining a government.

(YWN Israel Desk — Jerusalem)