Aryeh Deri
אריה דרעי
Currently
Party Chairman
Who they are
Shas's once-in-a-generation political operator: convicted, imprisoned, and returned to the summit of Israeli coalition-making.
Positions & record
- Torah world: Non-negotiable funding for yeshivot.
- Welfare: Food security and housing for the poor.
- Judiciary: A personal collision with the High Court over his eligibility.
Where they stand
Judea & Samariaparty linePragmatic hawk, follows security consensus
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & Securityparty lineBacks the government line
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi Enlistmentparty lineTorah study is service; protect exemptions
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
Judiciaryparty lineCurb the court that disqualified Deri
Strengthen the courtCurb the court
Economyparty lineSubsidies and welfare for the poor
Social spendingFree market
Religion & Stateparty lineReligious status quo, stronger rabbinate
Civil / pluralistHalachic status quo
Career
1988
Interior Minister at 29.
1999
Convicted of bribery; prison and comeback.
2023
Court voids his appointments, sparking a coalition crisis.