Shas leader Aryeh Deri on Monday morning 26 Shevat spoke with Kol Berama Radio. Among issues that he addressed he spoke of the relationship between Bayit Yehudi and Yesh Atid, explaining the dati leumi party has an awesome responsibility.

The Shas leader explained that when Naftali Bennett made a decision to enter into a political partnership with Yair Lapid, one who is uninterested in the world of Torah and a life of Torah and then Bennett expresses astonishment when Yesh Atid wishes to give away Eretz Yisrael.

“The Gemara teaches us that without Toras Yisrael we have no right to exist, and if one wishes one can add Am Yisrael to this as Rav Kook ZT”L learns”, Deri exclaimed.

“I know Eretz Yisrael is paramount for you, and it is to us as well, as are the residents but you must awaken…” Deri added he hopes that Bennett will make good on the promises he has made in public and to him in private and that he will make good on promises to undo the damage regarding budget cuts to yeshivos.

Deri lamented that a week does not pass without someone introducing a bill that seems to further dilute Torah Yisrael and Halacha, and feels that Bennett must awaken and come to a realization regarding his coalition partner.

Bennett earlier in the week referred to Yesh Atid, stating Yair Lapid runs the party as a dictatorship, signaling a further break in relations with his staunch political ally.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)