Shas Leader Deri Backs Likud Candidates in Primary Race

Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri is working behind the scenes to influence the outcome of Likud's upcoming primary election, according to a report published Thursday by journalist Avraham Freund. Deri has reportedly instructed Knesset members, haredi officials, and those with influence over Likud party members to support four specific lawmakers in the internal vote.

According to the report, Deri has directed support toward MKs Boaz Bismuth and Hanoch Milwidsky, both of whom have actively promoted legislation and policies benefiting the ultra-Orthodox community during the current Knesset term. Bismuth, who chairs the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, has earned Deri's backing for his efforts to advance the military conscription law. The Shas leader reportedly views Bismuth as having "fought like a lion" to push the legislation through his committee.

Deri has also designated Finance Committee chairman Hanoch Milwidsky for haredi support. Milwidsky has worked to secure substantial budget allocations for the ultra-Orthodox sector, even when facing opposition from the legal establishment and potential High Court challenges.

Beyond these two committee chairs, Deri's list of preferred candidates includes Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz and MK Avihai Boaron. These four lawmakers—Bismuth, Milwidsky, Katz, and Boaron—are receiving assistance from Knesset members, haredi officials, and figures who hold sway over Likud party voters, the report states.

The guiding principle behind Deri's intervention is clear: rewarding those who supported haredi interests during the current legislative session. The message the Shas chairman conveyed to those involved in the effort was straightforward: "Those who were there for the haredim during this term will receive haredi support in the primary."