Channel 2 News reported that former Shas leader Aryeh Deri declined an offer from Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita to take the third place on the party lineup, behind current leader Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai and Housing Minister Ariel Atias, who hold the second slot.

The report states Deri envision heading the Shas list or alternatively a lineup of a new political party.

Shas officials confirm that such an offer was made in recent months, adding “one does not link conditions to an offer from the rav”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)