Netanyahu Issues Public Support for Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Amid Coalition Uncertainty

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a public message of support for Shas leader Aryeh Deri on Monday, amid an apparent estrangement following the recent elections and growing concerns within Likud over the loyalty of ultra-Orthodox parties ahead of the presidential consultations.

"Aryeh Deri and Shas are important partners of mine and of the right-wing bloc in leading the country," Netanyahu wrote, emphasizing that Deri makes a significant contribution to Israel's security within the security cabinet.

The statement comes amid assessments that United Torah Judaism (UTJ) may refrain from recommending any candidate to President Isaac Herzog for forming the next government. In light of this, Netanyahu is seeking to ensure that Shas's six mandates remain firmly on his side and that Deri officially recommends him to the president.

Since the elections held a week ago, no direct conversation has taken place between Netanyahu and Deri. The Shas leader has avoided direct contact with political figures outside his party and has reportedly communicated with the prime minister through his close confidant, strategist Israel Bachar.

Netanyahu also used the statement to criticize the media and the political opposition, accusing them of attempting to undermine Deri and Shas. Meanwhile, UTJ held a meeting involving Yaakov Asher, Yitzhak Goldknopf, and Meir Porush, which concluded without a definitive decision regarding their presidential recommendation, as the faction weighs its options ahead of consultations with the president.