From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Deri weighs Shas return to government if it advances draft exemption for yeshiva students
Ariela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri is weighing a return to the government if a new draft exemption law for yeshiva students is passed, according to a report from the Kan public broadcaster.
Deri, who pulled his ultra-Orthodox party out of the government in July over the failure to pass a draft exemption law, is considering rejoining after the Knesset recess ends next week — if the government immediately advances new conscription legislation.
The Shas leader attended tonight’s security cabinet meeting to ratify the US-backed plan to begin a ceasefire in Gaza and return the 48 remaining Israeli hostages there in return for Palestinian security prisoners.
Kan also reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is actively working to bring Shas back into his government when the Knesset reconvenes, in a bid to stabilize his coalition, which currently lacks a majority.
Far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who both oppose the deal, have threatened to quit the government if Hamas remains in power — a move that could topple Netanyahu’s government and trigger elections.
However, opposition parties led by Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid have promised Netanyahu a “safety net” to prevent the fall of the government so long as it advances Trump’s Gaza deal.
The Times of Israel Community.