Shas chairman Aryeh Deri is reportedly considering retiring from politics following his party’s disappointing election results, with several options under discussion for the movement’s future leadership.

Shas lost five seats in the elections to the 26th Knesset, dropping from 11 mandates to six. The result leaves the party with the same representation it won in 1992 and far below its record of 17 seats in 1999.

Deri, who has reportedly not appeared publicly since the results became known, is weighing whether to step away from political life entirely and hand leadership to a successor.

Another possibility would see him resign from the Knesset while remaining Shas chairman, allowing him to continue directing the movement from outside parliament.

A third option involves restructuring the party’s leadership. Under that arrangement, Deri would assume a position resembling party president, retaining senior authority while a new chairman takes responsibility for day-to-day operations.

No final decision has been announced.

Meanwhile, Rabbanim associated with Shas are working to persuade Deri to remain at the helm. In recent days, Rabbanim have visited his home to offer chizuk and express support for his continued leadership.

An initiative is also underway to publish a letter signed by Rabbanim backing Deri. The letter was drafted by Hagaon Harav Moshe Maya, a senior member of Shas’s Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah.

The discussions leave Shas facing uncertainty over its leadership as it assesses its diminished strength in the new Knesset.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)