According to a Channel 10 News report, Chacham Ovadia Yosef Shlita has requested from Rav Aryeh Deri, the party’s former leader, to hold off on announcing any return to the political arena at present.

It appears that Deri planned to announce his entry to the new party launched by his brother Shlomo, as was reported HERE by YWN, but Rav Ovadia called on him to hold off, fearing such a move would rob Shas of votes in the upcoming election for the 18th Knesset.

The report concludes the Rav promised Deri a senior place back in Shas after his moral turpitude clause expires, permitting his return to a political post.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)