Shas co-leader Aryeh Deri was hosted on Ynet Live on Tuesday morning 20 Kislev 5773. He explained he is not seeking to lead a revolution, adding even one who wears a black yarmulke and is bearded can represent the non-frum, Arabs and Ethiopians.
Deri confirmed that following elections he views entering a government headed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, explaining Shas’ role would be to direct the government cuts in spending away from the lower-income and large families. He admits that from an ideological point of view Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich is closer to his economic hashkafa, but reality is what it is.
Deri believes that former Shas MK Rabbi Chaim Amsellem’s party will not take votes from Shas, stating with confidence that 70% of the Amsellem voters are left-wing Ashkenazim from Tel Aviv, not the voters who turn out for Shas.
He believes that avreichim who are truly sitting and learning must be permitted to continue doing so while the others should be drafted providing the IDF does what it promises to accommodate larger numbers of soldiers in Nachal Chareidi.
Deri remains the optimist and earlier this week at a Haifa rally predicting Shas will reach 21 seats, and he told Ynet he does not believe the polls are in touch with reality, promising a surprise the day after elections.
Regarding the Oslo process, he admits the Gaza was a disaster [since Hamas has taken over]. He now questions how one can sign a peace agreement with Abu Mazen – rhetorically questioning how Israel can make major land concessions to the PA (Palestinian Authority) leader when the following day that Hamas may rise to power and head the PA.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
So someone with a black yarmulke is aruging he can lead Arabs, Ethiopians and assorted non-frum Israelis – sounds like he’s trying to lead a revolution to me.
Actually, his “revolution” might be the only thing in the long run that can save Israel. Given the serious demographic challenge posed by the growing frum population, and the history of bigotry directed at frum Jews by the hilonim parties, only a party based in Jewish tradition has a chance of establishing a non-hostile relationship between them.
Go Deri!
Deri has a background of Jewish tradition no doubt, yet his vote on OSLO and his parties applaud of Gaza disengagement still has many looking at him through a cracked mirror.