In interviews to the media on Wednesday, 9 Teves, Eli Yishai explained that if he spoke out and told what he knows, he is confident his Ha’Am Itanu party would receive 10-12 seats in the elections.

Yishai told the media that despite allegations leveled at him, he is not responsible for the release of the damaging video that led to Shas leader Aryeh Deri resigning from Knesset.

Speaking to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), Yishai said “I am paying a heavy personal price for not speaking out. The moment they say things that are not true, there comes a time when one has to stand up and speak the truth”.

Yishai added that he is confident that persons close to him have nothing to do with the release of the video to Channel 2 News. “I have things to say but prefer not to say them now” Yishai added. “These words would bring us 10-12 seats but I will not do it. We must understand what Maran wanted and what Maran said. I remain loyal with all my koach to his true path” he concluded.

In interviews with a number of media stations, Yishai stated he does not release videos for those who know him realize he does not work this way. He did make a point of saying that if the information he has is released, “An earthquake will result”, but stated for now, he is not saying what his heart wishes he would say.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)