[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The Channel 2 TV News piece begins by explaining the rising tensions between Shas and the combined Likud/Beitenu list ahead of the general elections. Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita is seen speaking to a tzibur, speaking of the need to vote Shas and how the next government will not be formed without Shas’ inclusion.

Erdan:

We are not chas v’sholom against Shas and we have the utmost respect for Rav Ovadia. Unfortunately you forget Shas recent election campaign on buses in which Minister Avigdor Lieberman was shown with a large black yarmulke, as if he is promoting assimilation. He is traditional and his daughters’ religious, so to accuse him of promoting assimilation is baseless.

Channel 2:

Nevertheless, the prime minister stated the housing portfolio will remain with Likud and Lieberman stated that Atias would make an okay tourism minister. Why attack such a natural partner?

Erdan:

I don’t know what you mean by a natural partner. I remember when Deri was partnered with the left-wing…Take the Israel Lands Administration post for example, we wished to give priority for homes to one who works and/or serves in the IDF and this was torpedoed. That is a fact. They designated a point system to favor one who marries early with many children. Does this point to a particular sector?

Atias:

Remember in the last government we could have gone with Livni but we opted for Likud for it is a natural partner. We have a partnership with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Likud for a number of years but now, to our sorrow, he signed with Avigdor Lieberman who has taken over. He decided the nation’s foreign policy for four years and is now deciding ministerial appointments in the lineup.

When we say talk about Lieberman and Shas can prevent assimilation, it refers to Lieberman’s support for civil marriage and other matters. In addition, when Lieberman teamed up with Likud and took over, we stated you cannot expect us to sit with folded hands and observe.

Erdan:

I would point out that Lieberman and Aryeh Deri are close friends, and the photo with a yarmulke was taken at a wedding of one of Deri’s children.

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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)