Relatives say Religious Services Ministry, led by a Haredi minister, is dithering on release of bodies

Religious hardliners are among critics of the bill, which many see as part of a pact benefiting Shas and the Chief Rabbinate

Opposition lawmakers say draft amendment compromises women's position and is part of a slide toward theocracy

Heated race delayed until spring of 2024 as Shas reportedly scrambles to choose candidate

Haredi party's Council of Torah Sages says decision a temporary one until Knesset approves legislation permitting Deri to return to role, despite criminal conviction

Proposed legislation would only allow new arrivals to receive documentation after residing in Israel for 1 year; ministry says some exploit benefits without settling down

Acting interior minister Malkieli has reportedly not visited offices since replacing disqualified Deri 2 weeks ago, as coalition standoff with top court hampers emergency readiness

Shas's Michael Malkieli named acting interior minister, Yoav Ben-Tzur appointed acting health minister; they can serve for three months before positions must be permanently filled

Michael Malkieli also vows to expand powers of rabbinic courts; Shas leader Aryeh Deri says party paid a political price to get the ministry

Shas's Malkieli signs order putting off privatization of kosher supervision by six months, giving incoming government time to roll back predecessors' initiative