Shas Chairman Rabbi Aryeh Deri issued the following statement:

“Throughout my life, I was raised and educated to obey the guidance of Torah sages. This is how I have conducted myself throughout all my years of public service, and this is the path along which we have educated entire generations.

“Therefore, having received today the unequivocal directive of the esteemed rabbis and sages of the Council of Torah Sages, I accept it without hesitation or question. I thank the esteemed rabbis and sages for the trust and support they have given me throughout the years.

“Tomorrow, God willing, I will convene a faction meeting with the movement’s Knesset members and our senior representatives in local authorities, in order to roll up our sleeves, draw lessons from recent events, and move the movement forward.”