In yomtov interviews with the media, Shas party leader Aryeh Deri tells it like it is. He is no longer beholden to Likud or its leader, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Deri explains that today, he views opposition leader MK Yitzchak Herzog as a viable alternative to Netanyahu.

Deri details his disappointment with the party which many believed was Shas’ “natural partner”. “What natural partner” he exclaimed, adding “They threw us out of the city, expelled us! They told us were are not acceptable. They harmed us and cut budgets. What natural partner? Lapid, Bennett, Lieberman and Livni taught us well. This time around we are released of all commitments with Likud and Netanyahu. Our goal you ask? We want to topple the coalition and head to elections.”

Deri continues, explaining the recent meetings with the prime minister were “political spins to pressure others”. He adds “I would not serve as a minister in this government, a government with this budget, supporting the Giyur Bill and that harms the weaker sectors of society”.

In another interview, this one with Hamodia, Deri and MK Yaakov Litzman share their thoughts. The two state emphatically that they blame Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for assault against the chareidi tzibur at large and all the difficulties the community has had to endure since the coalition was formed. They add they did not expect the prime minister to go ahead with such a coalition.

And in an interview with Yediot Achronot, Deri speaks of the difficulties faced by Eli Yishai. He states that he understand Yishai led the party for 13 years but at the end of his life, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L decided to appoint him the party leader and the decision was backed by the Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael. Deri explains “I know it is hard for Yishai as at times it is hard for me since this is what the Council and Maran decided”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)