Ynet:

Former Shas Chairman and convicted felon Aryeh Dari is emerging as Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s “advisor on ultra-Orthodox affairs,” Ynet has learned. Sources familiar with the developments told Ynet Tuesday the relationship between the two figures, who were close even before, tightened further recently, partly because ultra-Orthodox leaders realize Olmert will likely win the upcoming elections. As a result, Deri has apparently become Olmert’s advisor and senior mediator vis-a-vis the ultra-Orthodox world. According to the reports, Deri has been boosting his power in Kadima since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s hospitalization and renewed his ties with Olmert after the latter was designated as Sharon’s temporary replacement. The two first met 15 years ago when Deri served as the Interior Ministry’s director General and Olmert as health minister. The two figures grew closer when Olmert served as Jerusalem mayor and Deri was the interior minister.Deri was apparently one of the first figures to arrive at Olmert’s office after he assumed the post of acting prime minister. The two figures speak on a regular basis and do not hide the close trust they share for each other. As it turns out, Deri provided mediation services between Olmert and the ultra-Orthodox on more than one occasion this year. Olmert’s associates do not hide their appreciation for Deri but are aware of the problems associated with his criminal record, which disqualifies him from returning to politics…..