Deputy Minister of Finance (Shas) Yitzchak Cohen on Thursday decided to comment on calls for a united chareidi party in the upcoming election, which would compel Shas to merge with Yahadut Hatorah. Shas leaders have spoken out against such a move.

Cohen told KAN Reshet Bet Radio on Thursday that the latest poll shows Shas earning five seats while he remains confident the party will earn more, explaining “the core of the party represents seven seats”.

He explains the poll, which included 945 respondents, does not represent the true reality for Shas, as he feels “There are voters who one cannot include in a poll” and these voters will come out for Shas.

Regarding calls for chareidi achdus, “No way, Gafne and me would be like oxygen and oil. The reason Shas was established have not vanished”.

Cohen was asked to comment on the Yehudit Bridge being constructed in Tel Aviv on Shabbos. “I ask who is pushing this machlokes along and why are you trying to bother me? Let them do what they want in private, but why harm the public Shabbos? The Tel Aviv marathon also shuts down the entire city and everyone is considerate and understanding”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)