Shas leader Aryeh Deri’s candidate in the Elad mayoral race, Tzvika Cohen has informed the party leader that despite his faith in his abilities, he is not going to run in the race. While Deri worked hard to persuade Cohen, he stated on Tuesday, 21 Elul 5773 that his decision is final.

A recent poll shows that the two leading candidates in the mayoral race, Sruly Porush and Cohen are neck and neck, http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=182760 both with about 30% of the vote.

Deri is expected to announce a substitute Shas candidate in Elad, a municipality with a strong Shas support base.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)