Speaking on Israel Radio’s HaKol Diburim program on Thursday morning 21 Teves 5773, Aryeh Deri explained Shas’ political leaning. It was pointed out that under Deri’s leadership, Shas was “moderate right-wing or even left-wing among the right-wing parties but under Eli Yishai, the party is right of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu while under Deri, it was left of the prime minister.”

Deri explains that “Shas is not left-wing or right-wing. Shas conducts itself according to Halacha, in line with rulings of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita.” Deri continued by giving a number of examples, pointing out that “Yehuda and Shomron are no less kodesh to Shas than others, but when it comes to pikuach nefesh, Maran R’ Ovadia feels there is a time and place where there must be compromise.”

“He gave a great speech and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu persuaded me and R’ Ovadia regarding the two-state solution.” He cited other examples, including Camp David which resulted in the removal of Yamit and the Sinai communities and the Disengagement Plan in 2005, which resulted in the expulsion of Jews from Gaza and a number of N. Shomron communities. He explained that at times, land concession may be necessary towards saving lives.

“There are times when R’ Ovadia agrees with the prime minister and times when he does not. This is what dictates the party’s policy, not right or left-wing.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)