Tensions are running high in the Shas community as the party faction members await the final words from Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita regarding Aryeh Deri and Eli Yisrael. Reports from Har Nof signal the party’s Moetzas Gedolei HaTorah is going to convene and a decision will be announced within 48 hours.

Most feel that the rav will find some type of arrangement that will be acceptable to Deri, but they do not believe Rav Yosef will oust Yishai from the party leadership position despite Deri’s success during his tenure and the fact he played a key role in launching the party in 1984.

Alternatively, Shas officials are all too well-aware that if Deri opts to leave Shas and run independently, Shas will pay a price and the party’s success in the upcoming election will be diminished as a result.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)