Knesset Finance Committee Chairman MK Moshe Gafne took a jab at Shas leader Minister Aryeh Deri, explaining that while in Yahadut Hatorah everyone has an opinion, in Shas, Deri is a one-man army.

Gafne made his comments during an interview with Kol Chai Radio host Moti Lavi on Tuesday, 30 Tishrei, using the forum to congratulate Michael Malchieli, the Shas Jerusalem councilman appointed as the party’s newest MK.

Gafne explained, like Michaeli, he entered Knesset a young man and he wishes him much hatzlacha. Gafne then added “By the way, unlike Shas, and I have the utmost respect for Rav Deri who runs the entire show. By us, each person has a voice and express an opinion including council members and those who may oppose my opinion”.

Asher Medina, the Shas secretary came on the air following Gafne to respond, denying the accuracy of Gafne’s statements, insisting Deri does not run the party as a dictatorship. He added Gafne’s statements were out of place for a public official of his caliber.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)