Opting to flex its political muscle somewhat on Wednesday morning 2 Sivan, Shas officials in Knesset boycotted Knesset committees in protest over the appointment of Rami Sadan as chairman of the board of Israel’s Channel 10 News. Sadan reportedly spoke out in a racist fashion against Sephardim and Shas, as well as the party leader Aryeh Deri. Deri has since demanded that his appointment be canceled. Deri stated that until this occurs, Shas will not be a part of the coalition, not voting with the coalition and now, boycotting Knesset committees.

On Wednesday morning Shas representatives were missing from a number of committee meetings including the Interior and Finance Committees. At 10:30AM, Deri convened a meeting of Shas Knesset faction members to discuss the crisis. He also met with coalition chairman MK David Biton, with Biton working to resolve the crisis.

Rami Sadan has denied the statements attributed to him.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)