Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita is opposed to the candidacy of Rabbi David Stav, who wishes to become the next Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, senior Shas officials are reporting.

Amid rumors of a new deal between Shas and Bayit Yehudi, one that would demand Bayit Yehudi support for Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Moshe Shlomo Amar in return for Shas support for Rabbi Stav, Shas officials deny there is such a deal in the works. They explain that Rav Ovadia opposes Rav Stav and therefore such a deal cannot take place.

Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri has released a statement to eliminate rumors of any deal in the works that would advance the candidacy of Rav Stav for the post of chief rabbi.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)