In a motzei Shabbos interview on Channel 2 TV’s Meet the Press program, Shas leader Eli Yishai announced that in his view, there is a 70% likelihood that Shas will find itself in the opposition in the next Knesset. He explained that he feels the chances of Shas joining the coalition as it appears to be shaping up are slim indeed.

“From my part we will remain outside [of the coalition]. There is life outside of the coalition. I am worried that Yair Lapid may want to split the nation. I am working to prevent this. I do not see a situation in which chareidim are going to be compelled to serve [in the IDF]. We are well into a process [of reaching agreement] but Lapid wants to cause a split. He seeks reform from one day to the next. He wants to shatter the Torah world” stated Yishai.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)