Tensions surfaced within the chareidi political camp after remarks by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri were interpreted by United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchok Goldknopf as dismissive toward the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel. The Shas party later released a statement expressing regret over how the comments were perceived.

In an official message issued Tuesday afternoon, Shas sought to clarify Deri’s remarks, which were published in the party’s newspaper and related to Agudas Yisroel’s decision to leave the coalition over the failure to pass a draft law.

“Shas and its representatives act under the close guidance of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, and hold in high regard all representatives who follow the direction of their rabbinic leaders. If a different tone was understood — we regret it,” the statement read.

“On the eve of Pesach, in the midst of a war and under the shadow of heavy costs, this is not the time to be drawn into disputes. We will say what we have to say at the appropriate time. Shas will continue to act with determination on behalf of the Torah world and wishes all of Klal Yisroel a kosher and joyful Pesach.”

The unusual statement came after Goldknopf publicly objected to Deri’s earlier comments in the Shas publication, in which he said, “There are those who wanted to bring down the government already a year and a half ago.” The remark was widely understood as referring to the Gerrer Rebbe, who has taken a firm stance on the draft issue.

Responding to the comments, Goldknopf defended the authority of the rabbinic leadership guiding his party. “They are the ones who guide us on how to act and what the correct path is,” he said. “The wording, and the presentation of their position as if it were the claim of some individual while casting doubt on their responsibility, is an affront to the honor of Torah, and I protest it,” the United Torah Judaism chairman added.

{Matzav.com}