Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman on Thursday spoke with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) host Yaron Dekel, telling him there is an initiative on the table regarding a united chareidi lineup in the upcoming elections. He added that at present, they are waiting to hear from Shas chairman Aryeh Deri. Litzman confirms that their ongoing efforts to create a chareidi bloc before the election for the 21st Knesset.

Regarding a future coalition government, Litzman was asked if he would enter a coalition with Yair Lapid, assuming the latter is a senior minister, and in order to enter the coalition, they would have to partner with him and his Yesh Atid party.

Litzman stated that he has already declared in the past that he would not partner with Lapid, and nothing as changed. He added “he hates me”, referring to Lapid, and he clarified he has no intention of entering into any coalition arrangement that includes Lapid, who Litzman accuses of being a hater of chareidim and religion.

He added “there is no bigger demagogue than Lapid, who shouts ‘money for chareidim instead of emergency rooms’ which is simply hate and incitement. When [Yesh Atid party MK Yael] German was health minister, they did not add money to the healthcare system, but they cut funds”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)