Aryeh Deri, Moroccan-Israeli rabbi and politician, Israeli Minister of Internal Affairs

Aryeh Makhlouf Deri: A Comprehensive Overview of the Veteran Israeli Politician

Aryeh Makhlouf Deri, also widely known as Arie Deri, Arye Deri, or Arieh Deri, is a highly influential and often controversial Israeli politician. Born on February 17, 1959, he has left an indelible mark on Israeli political landscape, primarily through his leadership of the ultra-Orthodox Shas political party. His name, אַרְיֵה מַכְלוּף דֶּרְעִי in Hebrew and أريه مخلوف درعي in Arabic, reflects his Mizrahi Jewish heritage.

The Founding and Ideology of Shas

Aryeh Deri is recognized as one of the pivotal founders of the Shas political party. Established in 1984, Shas quickly emerged as a significant force in Israeli politics, primarily representing the interests of Sephardic and Mizrahi (Jews from Middle Eastern and North African countries) ultra-Orthodox Jews. The party's foundation was rooted in a desire to address perceived discrimination against the Sephardic community within the Ashkenazi-dominated religious establishment and to advocate for their religious, social, and educational needs. Shas combines religious principles based on Halakha (Jewish law) with a strong emphasis on social welfare and education, often playing a crucial kingmaker role in the formation of Israeli coalition governments.

Key Ministerial Appointments and Political Influence

Throughout his extensive career, Aryeh Deri has held several highly impactful ministerial portfolios within the Israeli government, demonstrating his significant political reach and influence:

• Minister of the Interior: This is one of the most powerful and sensitive positions in Israeli politics, overseeing local government, police, population registration, and immigration policies. Deri's tenure in this role gave him substantial control over daily civil administration and public services.
• Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee: This portfolio focuses on addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting growth in Israel's peripheral regions. His work aimed to strengthen these areas, often through infrastructure projects and economic initiatives.
• Minister of the Economy: In this capacity, Deri was responsible for shaping Israel's economic policy, including trade, industry, and labor regulations, impacting the livelihoods of millions of Israelis.
• Member of the Security Cabinet of Israel: Inclusion in the Security Cabinet signifies a politician's involvement in high-level national security and foreign policy decision-making, underscoring Deri's central role in the nation's strategic affairs.

Legal Challenges: The 1999 Corruption Conviction

A significant turning point in Aryeh Deri's career occurred in 1999 when he faced a high-profile legal battle. After a lengthy and widely publicized trial, Deri was convicted of serious charges, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. These charges stemmed from alleged illicit financial dealings during his time as Minister of the Interior. Consequently, he was sentenced to a three-year jail term. This conviction sent shockwaves through the Israeli political system, marking a rare instance of a senior minister being imprisoned for corruption and prompting a period of forced absence from public office.

A Remarkable Political Comeback: The 2012-2013 Resurgence

Despite his conviction and imprisonment, Aryeh Deri orchestrated a remarkable return to the forefront of Israeli politics. At the end of 2012, demonstrating his enduring support base and political acumen, he returned to lead the Shas party in preparation for the elections for the Nineteenth Knesset. His comeback was highly anticipated, and he was placed in the crucial second position on the party's electoral list, ensuring his re-election to the Knesset. Furthermore, in May 2013, he was formally re-appointed to the influential role of Shas chairman, solidifying his undisputed leadership over the party and reaffirming his status as a central figure in Israeli politics.

Further Legal Issues and Knesset Resignation in 2021

Aryeh Deri's political journey encountered another legal hurdle towards the end of 2021. In December of that year, it was widely reported that he would resign from his position in the Knesset as part of a plea deal related to new charges of tax offenses. These offenses typically involve irregularities in reporting income and other financial declarations. The plea agreement, designed to resolve these tax-related allegations without further imprisonment, led to his official resignation from the Knesset in January 2022. This event marked another significant chapter in the complex interplay between legal challenges and political resilience that has characterized Aryeh Deri's career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aryeh Deri

Who is Aryeh Deri?

Aryeh Deri is a prominent Israeli politician, born in 1959. He is a co-founder and long-time leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas political party and has served in multiple significant ministerial roles in the Israeli government.

What is the Shas party?

Shas is an Israeli ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) political party primarily representing Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews. It advocates for their religious, social, and educational needs and often plays a crucial role in forming government coalitions.

What was Aryeh Deri convicted of in 1999?

In 1999, Aryeh Deri was convicted of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, resulting in a three-year jail sentence. These charges were related to his conduct during his tenure as Minister of the Interior.

Did Aryeh Deri return to politics after his 1999 conviction?

Yes, Aryeh Deri made a significant political comeback. He returned to lead the Shas party at the end of 2012, was re-elected to the Knesset, and was re-appointed as Shas chairman in May 2013.

Why did Aryeh Deri resign from the Knesset in 2022?

Aryeh Deri resigned from the Knesset in January 2022 as part of a plea deal for tax offenses. This agreement allowed him to resolve the charges without further imprisonment, though it typically involved a suspended sentence and a fine.