UPDATE: Aryeh Deri Withdraws From Knesset List but Remains Shas Chairman

Aryeh Deri has withdrawn from Shas's list for the 26th Knesset but will remain the party's chairman and political leader, according to reports Sunday by Ynet and The Jerusalem Post.

The decision means Deri will not take a seat in the new Knesset. It does not mean he is leaving Shas or stepping away from the party's coalition talks.

Deri said he had received approval from the Council of Torah Sages to give up his place in favor of younger representatives. He said he would continue guiding the faction, convening its weekly meetings and overseeing its parliamentary work.

The announcement follows earlier uncertainty about Deri's future after Shas lost seats in last month's election. Party rabbis had rejected his request to leave the party leadership.

Sunday's announcement separates those two roles: Deri is leaving the Knesset list while staying at the head of Shas.