Despite the recent arrests of officials in Beit Shemesh, including the local head of Degel Hatorah on alleged corruption and bribery charges, talks between Degel Hatorah MK Uri Maklev and Mayor (Shas) Moshe Abutbul have begun. Degel has been pondering running with its own candidate in the city, and after consulting with its rabbonim, has announced the party would give its list to demands to Abutbul. If he and Shas are willing to agree, then Degel will back his reelection rather than run with its own candidate.

According to reports, the process is going well and both sides are signaling optimism but Shas officials explain the list must be analyzed in depth, and only then will they have an idea if agreement can be reached.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)