Long seen as a kingmaker in Israel, the Shas party wants to remain central to political life in upcoming elections, but its opposition to military conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews could undermine its ambitions.
Although the ultra-Orthodox are a minority in Israel, parties like Shas often play a decisive role in coalition governments, allowing them to obtain concessions on key issues for the community.
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Shas has been a part of almost every governing coalition since it entered the legislature in 1984.
Currently allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in order to stay in the political game the party could consider joining another coalition if he fails in the elections scheduled for October 27.
