Amid spreading rumors in the chareidi community, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told reporters there is no truth to rumors that he is working on a deal by which R’ Aryeh Deri would replace him in the event he is indicted in connection to the ongoing money laundering investigation against him.

He told reporters to relax, stating with total confidence that no indictment was going to be filed against him, but he continued to address the chareidi rumor, stating no such deal is in the works.

Lieberman added that “anyone who is serious” is aware that Deri cannot join his Yisrael Beitenu party due to the platform which does not exactly adhere to the chareidi way of life, particularly the conversion and civil marriage issues.

Deri and Lieberman are longtime friends and are known to maintain a close relationship.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)