According to reports released by Kikar Shabbat, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita on Monday 29 Tishrei 5773 summoned Shas leader Eli Yishai, offering him a compromise regarding the party leadership slot. On Tuesday it is being reported the rav made up his mind and has decided to bring Aryeh Deri back into the party as the leader, replacing Yishai.

Following the decision, Rebitzen Yehudit Yosef during the night contacted Rav Yishai’s rebitzen, updating her on the rav’s decision and telling her she must prepare for a major change in her husband’s political future. (Rebitzen Yehudit Yosef, a daughter-in-law, is viewed as the powerful woman figure in Shas).

On Tuesday morning, Yishai arrived for shachris as usual, but when photographers tried taking his picture near the rav, a usual event, they were ousted by Rav Chakak on Yishai’s instructions. Police were summoned but their services were not required after the photographers agreed to leave without police intervention. There is speculation that Yishai arrived to fight for his leadership position.

Other chareidi media sources concur, explaining Rav Ovadia realizes that with Deri leading the party Shas may reach 15 seats and without him, Shas will earn about half that number.

An official announcement is expected on Wednesday, the second day Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan 5773.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)