A recording released by Walla News shows just what Shas MKs think of the party’s leader, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri. MK Yitzchak Vaknin is heard saying “Aryeh does as he pleases”. “If one thinks he can ignore daas Torah and the rabbonim, he will remain without pants and clothing for without daas Torah there is no Shas”.

The recording, from election eve, adds that Eli Yishai was always trusted by the rav, referring to HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L, adding “He is no conniving and doesn’t play games”.

Evaluating Shas, he stated the party lacks a rav. “Chacham Shalom is out of it and is involved in his own dealings and that Aryeh does as he asks. Aryeh has two options; winning the entire party or losing it all with everyone. That is the point”.

Responding, Vaknin told Walla his words are taken out of context and the recording dates back to elections when Deri sent him to try to bring Yishai back to the party”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)