Ramla-born Shas MK and grandson of the revered Moroccan-born Chief Rabbi of Ramla "the Baba Khaki" (Yitzhak Abihatsira); entered Knesset in 2018 via the Norwegian Law succeeding Aryeh Deri, served as deputy mayor of Petah Tikva for nearly two decades, and was appointed Health Minister on October 12, 2023 amid the wartime cabinet reshuffle, where he focused on closing center-periphery health gaps, expanding mental health services, and equipping hospitals with backup generators ahead of the Hezbollah front; resigned with fellow Shas ministers in July 2025 over the Haredi draft-exemption dispute (while continuing to serve as MK), and ran a strong but unsuccessful 2024 campaign for Bnei Brak mayor.
Positions and record
- Champions Torah-study exemptions and continued yeshiva funding as vital to Jewish continuity
- Promotes public health investment for periphery communities and Mizrahi neighborhoods
- Defends the religious status quo within Israel's health system
- Loyal ally of Aryeh Deri and Shas's Council of Torah Sages on coalition strategy
Cite this page
Uriel Buso, The State of Israel. https://thestateofisrael.com/mk/uriel-buso