Israel Election 2026: What do Arye Deri's Shas and Yaakov Asher's United Torah Judaism stand for?

In the upcoming Israel elections for the 26th Knesset, set to take place on October 27, two ultra-Orthodox parties dominate the scene. Shas, founded in 1984 by Arye Deri, emerged as a response to Sephardi Jews facing discrimination within the Ashkenazi haredi political establishment. Arye Deri, its leader, is a rabbi and spiritual guide.

United Torah Judaism (UTJ), established in 1992, grew from the merger of two prominent Ashkenazi haredi factions: Agudat Yisrael and Degel HaTorah. Currently led by Yaakov Asher, UTJ is guided by a council of Torah Sages from each of its factions. Both Shas and UTJ hold positions on the right side of Israel's political landscape and have been essential partners within Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition bloc.

Historically, Shas secured 11 seats and UTJ 7 seats in the 25th Knesset. Recent polling suggests a similar outcome, with Shas at about seven seats and UTJ at approximately eight. Notably, neither party is committed to solely aligning with Netanyahu, as Shas' spiritual leader has indicated openness to a government led by Prime Ministerial candidate Gadi Eisenkot. This presents an alternative to the assumption that a vote for Shas automatically means backing a Netanyahu-led coalition.

Shas and UTJ have faced criticism for their stance on haredi conscription into the IDF. Deri, Shas' leader, has expressed support for imprisoned draft evaders, while UTJ leader Yitzhak Goldknopf also visited these individuals. Both parties have pushed for legislation to institutionalize Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel's Basic Laws, ostensibly to safeguard the religious right to full-time Torah study.

On the topic of Gaza, Shas aligns with the goal of dismantling Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, although it opposes indefinite Israeli control of the territory. UTJ, however, lacks a detailed independent position on Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran, focusing primarily on domestic issues. In terms of religion and state matters, Shas and UTJ aim to uphold an Orthodox Jewish character for Israel, preserving religious institutions such as the Chief Rabbinate.

They both oppose the expansion of secular alternatives to religious law, such as civil marriage, and endorse the current system where religious marriages are conducted by the Rabbinate.

Another area of contention between the two parties is the haredi draft into the IDF. Both parties oppose expanding public transportation and other state-supported activities on Shabbat, and have historically opposed infrastructure and construction on Shabbat. Concerning conversion to Judaism, both Shas and UTJ favor maintaining Orthodox control over the process, rejecting Reform conversions.

Recently passed legislation by the haredi parties repealed the 2021 kashrut reform, returning control of certification to the Chief Rabbinate and authorized public rabbis. They have also taken a firm stance against expanding non-Orthodox forms of worship at the Western Wall. Regarding judicial reform, both Shas and UTJ have backed reducing the High Court's authority to overturn legislation or government decisions, particularly when interventions pertain to haredi-related matters.

Both parties have sought to support lower-income families and increase the availability of affordable housing for haredi families. However, their support for certain bills, such as expanding daycare subsidies, has been withdrawn in light of perceived implications for draft evaders. They have historically advocated for increased funding for haredi schools, yeshivot, families, and daycare programs.

Ultimately, a vote for Shas or UTJ is likely to result in a government that prioritizes the preservation of haredi interests, religious values, and the maintenance of a distinctly Orthodox Jewish identity for Israel.