Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita met with Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan signaling a possible thawing of hostility between Bayit Yehudi and Shas. According to the Makor Rishon report, also present for the meeting was Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef and Shas leader Aryeh Deri.

The report states that prior to that meeting the deputy minister met with the Rishon L’tzion and it appears that meeting set the stage for the meeting with Rav Ovadia last Sunday.

Rabbi Ben-Dahan reportedly explained his party’s religious reform plan to the Gadol Hador. The issue of the comments made by the rav pertaining to Bayit Yehudi during the elections was raised, and Rav Ovadia is quoted saying that he loves the party and is not an opponent as is perceived. It was decided that the sides would begin with a clean slate.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)