Shas

Shas is a political party in Israel that represents several ultra-orthodox Jewish groups. In 2006 the party won 12 parliamentary seats and joined Ehud Olmert's coalition. The party currently holds four cabinet positions in Olmert's administration.

Shas works to promote Halakha, or traditional Talmudic Jewish law. They are strong advocates of laws, for example, prohibiting activities during the sabbath and on religious holidays, and also for government support of students in Torah study schools. They generally support a flexible foreign policy that does encourage Israeli Settlements, calls for inclusion of Arabs in the Israeli state, and follows the boundaries of Greater Israel.