This time it is Shas and not Bayit Yehudi that has given an ultimatum to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu – to fire the newly-appointed Chairman of the Board of Channel 10 News, Rami Sadan, or Shas will not vote with the coalition. Sadan, a public relations person and Knesset lobbyist is known to maintain good ties with PM Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu. He was also employed as a personal spokesman for Mrs. Netanyahu in the past.

Deri called on the Prime Minister on Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh Sivan, while Mr. Netanyahu is on a state visit in Russia. He is demanding the ousting of Sadan for his bigoted comments. Mr. Netanyahu is also Minister of Communications so the matter remains in his court.

Sadan has reportedly spoken out during a board meeting against Sephardim in general and the Shas party in particular. Earlier in the day, Deri spoke with Kol Chair Radio but would not comment as he had not confirmed the reports alleging Sadan’s bigoted remarks. However, later in the day Deri’s position changed, apparently after confirming the report attributed to Sadan.

A person present is quoted by Haaretz anonymously saying “It was outrageous and embarrassing – things that wafted – the smell of authoritarianism, arrogance and racism”. He added that Sadan also spoke out negatively about Deri. He is also quoted saying “I hate the Shas party and Deri the thief”.

Sadan denies the statements attributed to him, insisting certain person are obviously trying to create a rift between different religious factions and nothing more.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)