Shas leader Aryeh Deri quits Knesset after election defeat but retains party leadership
According to Ynet, Aryeh Deri, the longtime leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party and a key ally of Benjamin Netanyahu, announced Sunday that he would not serve in the newly elected Knesset following his party's disappointing performance of only six seats in last month's election. Deri, who will remain chairman of Shas, stated he received approval from the Council of Torah Sages to relinquish his parliamentary seat to focus on rebuilding the party's grassroots support. While stepping away from parliamentary duties, Deri confirmed he will continue to direct the party's lawmakers and oversee legislative work. The party also categorically rejected speculation about joining a government led by Gadi Eisenkot, reaffirming its commitment to the right-wing bloc.