Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri spoke with Israel Radio on Thursday morning 18 Menachem Av 5773. Deri was asked to comment on the candidacy of Moshe Leon, who announced he is joining the Jerusalem mayoral race.

Leon, a former bureau chief for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in his first term in office is a known Likud activist, dati leumi Jew and a senior official in the Jerusalem Development Company.

Deri stated the Leon is a most suited candidacy who is experienced and well aware of the demands and responsibilities of public service. Deri showered Leon with comments, adding “he is no one’s pushover. He is professional, caring, and he knows Jerusalem very well from his senior position in the city’s development company.”

Deri concluded “it took a great deal of time and persuasion for him to agree. At first, he genuinely did not want to enter the mayoral race but eventually, we persuaded him.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)