Shas to Recommend Netanyahu for Prime Minister After Yeshiva-Student Status Commitment

The Shas party announced Tuesday that it will recommend Benjamin Netanyahu to the president as its candidate to form the next government.

The decision was taken by the party's Council of Torah Sages after its Knesset members met with the rabbis who lead the party's political line. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri did not attend the meetings.

Shas said the decision followed Netanyahu's "clear and uncompromising statement" of continued support and commitment to regulating the status of yeshiva students. The party, which fell from 11 seats to six in the recent election, also accused left-wing parties of "hypocrisy" toward the Haredi community.

The announcement is a formal endorsement decision, not an announcement of a coalition agreement or a new government. Ynet also reported that Religious Zionism will recommend Netanyahu, while United Torah Judaism was not expected to recommend anyone for now.