Since losing his bid to enter Knesset with his new Yachad party, former Shas party leader Eli Yishai has for the most part remained politically correct, despite the bad blood between him and Shas leader Aryeh Deri.

However, during a recent interview with Channel 2 News, on Monday evening 13 Cheshvan, Yishai said “The tzibur understands incorrect dealings”, adding “The party is breaking apart under the leadership of Aryeh Deri. There is growing resentment that is spreading around but people are afraid to speak out”.

Regarding the decision to place Deri back at the helm of Shas, Yishai explained “There was enormous pressure to reinstate him”. When asked if he feels betrayed he responded “It was what it was”.

Yishai added that after Deri was reinstated as leader, HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L asked him not to hold a grudge against him and not to leave him, adding “Be with me as before. I love you”. He added that when Maran uttered these words they were accompanied by tears.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)