Speaking with Kol Berama Radio’s Moti Lavi on Thursday, 8 Shevat 5774, Shas MK Eli Yishai confirmed that he has been meeting with Finance Minister Yair Lapid, a move that is supported by rabbonim. He explains that to the best of his knowledge he is the only chareidi MK doing so and HaGaon HaRav Shimon Ba’adani Shlita; a member of the Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael has instructed him meet with Lapid. “It is very important to meet with Finance Minister Lapid to get what we can” Yishai stated.

Yishai used the media interview to take a stab at party leader MK Aryeh Deri and his followers, but without mentioning names. He spoke of his colleague MK Nissim Ze’ev, who Yishai credits with establishing the party over 30 years ago, not Deri, once again without mentioning the current party leader by name.

“I have been in Shas since the day it was founded. From that day on which Rav Nissim Ze’ev started the party” he explained, stating how Ze’ev approached Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L and received the green light to move forward.

When asked if he sees a day in the future when he will once again stand at the helm of the party, he responded indirectly. He explained his yearning is to continue being a shaliach for Am Yisrael for as long as the Moetzas Gedolei Hatorah wishes to have him serve in this capacity to follow in the derech of Maran ZT”L.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)