Shas leader Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai told Israel Radio this morning, that Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita has informed him that he will remain in the first slot in the Shas lineup.

This brings an end to speculation that Rav Ovadia may remove Yishai to reinstate Aryeh Deri to his former standing as party leader.

When asked if he thinks that Deri will now launch his own party, Yishai stated he believes that such a move is unlikely because he does not feel Deri would do something that opposes the wishes of Rav Ovadia.

Israel Radio: Will Deri hold the number 2 slot?

Yishai: Whatever the rav decides. The rav and the Moetzas Gedolei HaTorah makes these decisions.

Israel Radio: Did you receive a promise from PM Netanyahu that you will be interior minister in the next government?

Yishai: There are no such promises…

Israel Radio: What is your opinion about Yair Lapid?

Yishai: Yair Lapid is being very cautious in his campaign not to portray himself as someone who hates chareidim since he learned what happened to his father’s party…

Israel Radio: What about the Tal Law?

Yishai: I recently met with senior IDF officials and frightening things. There are thousands of chareidi soldiers wishing to enlist and they are not accepted. There are a number of reasons, including the IDF seeks additional funding from the treasury and they simply don’t want so many chareidim in the military.

There is a clear agenda here to continue the anti-chareidi campaign. I know that thousands of chareidim are waiting to be called for reserve duty service. Thousands are waiting to begin national service and to my sorrow, they appear unwanted. They simply prefer to continue the incitement against the chareidi tzibur.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)