Israeli Supreme Court Prevents Ultra-Orthodox Leader from Becoming Minister

The Israeli Supreme Court has opposed the appointment of Aryeh Deri, leader of the ultra-Orthodox "Shas" party, to ministerial positions due to his criminal past, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, according to Interfax.

This ruling effectively denies Deri the opportunity to lead the Israeli ministries of internal affairs and health. He previously held both positions as part of an agreement to form a ruling coalition with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision that Deri cannot hold ministerial posts was reached by the Israeli Supreme Court (the High Court) on Wednesday with a ten to one vote.

Deri's political opponents had previously submitted a complaint to the High Court of Justice, demanding that the appointment of the figure to ministerial positions be declared illegal due to his criminal past. In 1999, he was sentenced to four years in prison for corruption, in 2003 for abuse of public trust and fraud, and in 2022 for tax violations.