Shas Spiritual Leader Rabbi Moshe Maya Calls for Unity Government with Netanyahu and Eisenkot
Senior Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Moshe Maya called for a national unity government featuring Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot. In a recent interview, he also defended full conscription exemptions for yeshiva students.
Rabbi Moshe Maya, senior member of the Council of Torah Sages and the spiritual leadership of Shas, called for the establishment of a national unity government in a recent interview with the ultra-Orthodox newspaper Hamodia. According to Rabbi Maya, this moment serves as a true test for Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar! party, urging him to rise above political divisions and join a rotation government alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Reflecting on the recent electoral setback that saw Shas drop from 11 to 6 mandates, Rabbi Maya noted that a coalition combining Likud and Yashar!, alongside ultra-Orthodox parties and Religious Zionism, could secure 48 representatives and form an exceptional administration. The Shas leadership recently recommended to President Isaac Herzog that Netanyahu be tasked with forming the next government. Rabbi Maya emphasized that bridging gaps between the political left and right is essential for national resilience and future prosperity.
Perspectives on IDF Enlistment and Torah Study
Addressing the ongoing public debate regarding ultra-Orthodox conscription, the 88-year-old rabbi argued that opposition to yeshiva exemptions stems from a nationalistic worldview that sidelines religious devotion. He asserted that discussions surrounding recruitment quotas, targets, and sanctions were primarily tactical maneuvers designed to navigate High Court of Justice scrutiny and stall legislative processes.
Rabbi Maya maintained that full exemptions for dedicated yeshiva students are non-negotiable, asserting that Torah study provides spiritual fortification vital to the nation's security. He also criticized representatives of Religious Zionism for opposing the exemption bill, defending the rigorous daily commitment of yeshiva scholars as a form of spiritual service.
Electoral Defeat and Media Influence
Analyzing the party's decline at the ballot box, Rabbi Maya attributed the loss of traditional voters to aggressive media campaigns surrounding military service and yeshiva exemptions. He noted that despite Shas continuously blessing IDF soldiers in daily prayers, many traditional supporters shifted their votes to Likud. Meanwhile, the Shas faction convened a special meeting led by Chairman Aryeh Deri, bringing together MKs and municipal leaders to express gratitude for the support of 300,000 voters.
