According to a report appearing in Kikar Shabbos, Shas MK Yisrael Atias denies rumors that he is planning to leave Knesset. However party leader Aryeh Deri is quoted telling Ladaat that Atias has signaled he wishes to take a break from political life. Deri stresses that Atias is not leaving politics, but just taking a break.

Some point out that Atias is accustomed to life as a cabinet minister and this is the first time he is serving as a mere opposition party MK, perhaps contributing to his decision.

Deri explains that Atias has been asking to take a break for some time, wishing to dedicate his energies to endeavors outside of Knesset. Deri adds that Atias has asked to take a break on a number of occasions, but he agreed to remain on at his behest.

Deri repeats numerous times that Atias has been invaluable to him and his departure will be “brief”, and not a permanent break from the political arena.

The next person on the Shas roster is Yoel Ben-Tzur.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)