Shas
Sephardi Torah Guardians party founded early 1970s and led by former Sephardi Chief Rabbi and spiritual figure, Rabbi Ovadia Yossef. Shas first made it to the Knesset in 1984. In 1999, the party, led by Eli Yishai, shocked pundits by winning 17 Knesset seats, making it the third largest party, just after Likud. Shas joined Ariel Sharon's national unity government in March 2001.
Palestinian Issue
Supports autonomy for Palestinians, but opposes a Palestinian state.
Peace Process
Shas does not reject outright the "land for peace" formulation.
Jerusalem
Opposes division of Jerusalem as well as Palestinian or third party sovereignty over the Temple Mount.
Israeli Communities in the Territories (Settlements)
Shas' past policy was that territories could be given up "if the heads and commanders of the army, together with the members of the government, determine that it will save lives." At the same time, Shas' spiritural mentor, Rabbi Ovadia Yossef recently spoke of citizens of the territories as "exalted" and "glorified."
Demographic Issues
Shas supports Jewish immigration to Israel but is highly concerned with the number of non-Jewish immigrants arriving under the Law of Return's liberal definition of "who is a Jew."
Economy & Social Welfare
Party rhetoric emphasizes concern with underprivileged, particularly in the community of North African Jewish immigrants and other Sephardi and members of the Edot Hamizrach (Jews from Arab lands). The party views itself as an alternative to elitist Ashkenazi communities in Israeli society. One major concern is the preservation and advancement of the ultra-orthodox school system that provides Torah-true education as well as social support such as hot lunch programs.
Religion & State
Led by a council of Torah sages, Shas supports continued army exemption for religious scholars and amending the Law of Return to reflect Jewish Law.
