Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri would like to see retired Likud minister David Levy become Israel’s next president. Levy was a housing and foreign minister during his tenure in Knesset, today retired from political life. Deri feels that the veteran Beit Shean resident would be a better candidate than Silvan Shalom since Levy is Sephardi. Deri recently referred to Levy as a “Warm Sephardi” and he feels he is the best candidate in Shas’ eyes. Levy has not announced plans to run in the presidential race. The election for Israel’s 10th president is set for 12 Sivan 5774.

Deri signaled that if Levy does not run, the party is likely to back Silvan Shalom. At present Shalom has not officially entered the race so it is likely Shas will back Reuven Rivlin.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)