Shas leader Aryeh Deri responded to the damaging video released by Channel 2 News that shows Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L speaker out against him returning to lead Shas.

In his response, Deri stated, “Everyone knows that two years ago Maran wanted to oust Eli Yishai and bring me back to head the party to strengthen Shas and to return us to our glory. Eli Yishai admitted this before Am Yisrael, to permit Aryeh Deri to reclaim the deposit and this led to him constantly spreading lies and libels against Deri to prevent his return. The words spoken by Maran upon Deri’s return speak for themselves”.

Shas officials add “Davka, during these days when the tzibur expects achdus the man who labels himself as loyal decides to release a recording in which Maran was recorded secretly and insidiously took advantage of the trust given to him by Maran”.

“Mr. Yishai crushes the kovod of Maran due to hatred and seeking revenge and this proves that even during Maran’s life, he betrayed Maran’s trust in him”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)