Despite grandiose promises during the election campaign, some are already questioning if the Shas party will keep its word and remain loyal to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Adding to the speculation were the statements made on Tuesday by prominent sephardi posek HaGaon HaRav Bentzion Boaron Shlita, who is close to the Shas leadership. Dayan Baron is calling for a government with the left-wing that would be headed by the leader of the Blue & White party, MK Benny Gantz.

Dayan Baron is a retired member of the Chief Rabbinate Supreme Beis Din and close to party leaders including Minister Aryeh Deri. To the surprise of many and dismay of some, Dayan Boaron is calling to establish a coalition with the left-wing, a coalition government that would be headed by Benny Gantz.

The rav’s statements are quoted in a Wednesday morning report in the daily Yediot Achronot newspaper, in which he states, “in essence, there is no difference between Bibi and others. In reality, what others say, Bibi actually does; public transportation on Shabbos, infrastructure work on Shabbos and drafting females. They speak and Bibi does. Behold, despite the fact he needs the chareidi parties now like he needs oxygen to breathe, there was infrastructure work last Shabbos under his responsibility, resulting in shameful Chilul Shabbos”.

The rav expressed harsh criticism regarding the behavior of the chareidi representatives, calling on them to join a government headed by Gantz. “Therefore, my feeling is that the actions of the religious parties in negotiations are incorrect. They should enter a coalition headed by Gantz despite the fact his partner is Lapid. I have no doubt the attitude of the state towards Shabbos and religion in general will be infinitely more positive than today”.

Regarding the diplomatic front, Rav Boaron said, “In actuality, there is no significant difference between the right-wing and left-wing blocs and the difference is cosmetic. Therefore, the conditions of [a] peace [agreement] will be decided by the large councils, i.e. the United States and Soviet bloc”.

Ynet reported on Tuesday that negotiations between Blue & White and the Likud party towards establishing a national unity coalition government mainly focus on matters of religion and state. This includes public bus transportation on Shabbos R”L and legislating a draft law in line with a version acceptable to the defense minister, referring to the version that met with chareidi objections in the last Knesset.

The talks also discussed businesses opening on Shabbos and civil marriage to circumvent the Chief Rabbinate of Israel as an option for marrying couples.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)