Yesh Atid Chairman MK Yair Lapid explained why he supported MK (Shas) Ben-Tzur as the Knesset representative in the committee for appointing dayanim, instead of appointing someone on behalf of his faction. The reaction created questions, questions and even allegations that a deal may have been made. Lapid explained that there is no deal. The promise to Ben-Tzur was made to prevent MK Yisrael Eichler from continuing to serve on the committee.

The chairman has a surprising future this evening when he responded to a surfer on his Facebook page that his party would support MK Yoav Ben-Tzur in a vote for the committee to appoint dayanim.

Lapid’s remarks came against the background of a statement by Rachel Schlesenberg, who wrote that “there is information on the subject in support of MK Shas to the dayanim committee. As a supporter, many of my colleagues are asking for an unequivocal clarification on the subject,” she wrote.

Some two hours later, Lapid responded, “Shalom Rachel. We prefer to back Yoav Ben-Tzion, a person with moderate views relatively speaking, to prevent the election of Eicher who is extremist. Certainly, we would prefer the election of [MK Dr.] Aliza [Lavie of our party], but there is no hope of this occurring and my decisions are made in the world of reality”.

Lapid continued by clarifying there is no secret deal with Shas and the Yesh Atid party as some are alleging to be the case. He stressed “Yahadut Hatorah is looking for a way to permit Eichler to continue, the very same Eicher who labeled Yesh Atid anti-Semitic, and he is a true extremist”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)