Rav Aryeh Deri, who recently announced his decision to run for a slot in the next Knesset, is anxious to receive a ruling from Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita regarding his place on the Shas roster in the upcoming election.

According to a Yisrael HaYom report, Deri has requested a definitive ruling by the end of the week, at which time he will decide to run on the Shas slate or independent of his former party.

On erev shabbos, Deri met with HaRav Shimon Badani, a member of Shas’ Council of Torah Sages, telling the rav “I am not looking to create machlokes”, confirming reports that he is giving serious consideration to running under his own party.

One must remember that Deri is looking to be at the helm and not take a backseat to Shas leader Eli Yishai. At the age of 24, Deri was the minister of the interior, becoming the youngest cabinet minister in the nation’s history.

Polls are now showing that Deri running on his own would earn at least 6-7 seats, while Shas would barely bring in 10. Shas with Deri on board is more likely to earn 14+ seats.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)