Shas: We Continue to Back Netanyahu and Are Not Negotiating with Other Parties

In depth

Shas continues to support Benjamin Netanyahu for forming the government and is not negotiating with any other party, the party said. According to the party, the recommendation was made on the instruction of the Council of Torah Sages, after Netanyahu committed to pass the law regulating the status of yeshiva students. The party stressed that the clarification was issued following various statements made in recent days.

Shas said its recommendation was given to the President of the State, on the instruction of the Council of Torah Sages, and after Netanyahu's commitment to advance the law. Shas noted that it continues to support Netanyahu alone and is not negotiating with any other party.

The clarification came after Gadi Eisenkot attempted to win the support of the Haredi parties to form a government, which prompted efforts to change Shas's position. The party reiterated that it will not join such a government. A meeting between Netanyahu and United Torah Judaism chairman Yaakov Asher is taking place at the Prime Minister's Office, ahead of the swearing-in of the Knesset.