Newly disclosed comments attributed to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri have shed light on deep frustrations within the chareidi political camp, with Deri reportedly blaming Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for the latest coalition crisis and expressing concerns about the future political direction of United Torah Judaism.

According to a report aired Tuesday on Channel 13 News, Deri privately faulted Netanyahu for mishandling the highly sensitive draft-law issue and for contributing to the growing rift between the government and leading rabbinic figures.

The reported remarks reveal unusually blunt criticism from Deri, who allegedly argued that Netanyahu’s own statements were responsible for escalating tensions and triggering the strongly worded letter from Rav Dov Landau issued against the right-wing bloc.

“The prime minister is responsible for the incident with Rav Landau and for the harsh letter against the bloc. He made a mistake with all the talk that he does not have a majority for the draft law.”

Deri also reportedly voiced concern that United Torah Judaism could ultimately join a coalition opposed to Netanyahu if such an opportunity emerges after the next election.

“They will enter a left-wing government if one is formed after the elections.”

At the same time, Deri emphasized that Shas would not participate in such a move under any circumstances.

“We will never enter a left-wing government. We already know what the left is and what they will do here.”

The Shas leader reportedly went even further, identifying individuals whom he believes are encouraging United Torah Judaism to move away from Netanyahu and the right-wing camp.

According to the report, Deri specifically targeted Motty Babchik, a senior and influential figure within Agudas Yisroel, accusing him of working behind the scenes to bring about a left-wing coalition.

“He is doing everything to establish a left-wing government.”

The reported comments underscore the growing tensions within Israel’s chareidi parties as disputes over the draft law and the future of the coalition continue to intensify. With the prospect of elections drawing closer, the remarks offer a rare glimpse into the disagreements and political calculations taking place behind closed doors among some of the most powerful figures in the right-wing bloc.

{Matzav.com}