Efforts to ease tensions between Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and the home of former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Yosef have hit a serious obstacle, after Deri rejected a proposed arrangement intended to prevent future clashes between the two sides, Bechadrei Charedim reported.

According to the report, there is currently no demand from Rav Yitzchak Yosef’s side that he be appointed president of the Shas Council of Torah Sages.

As part of the ongoing contacts, Rav Yitzchak Yosef reportedly asked Deri to sign an arrangement that would establish understandings aimed at preventing future confrontations and allowing the party to function while maintaining proper working relations between the sides.

Deri firmly rejected the proposal, causing the talks to run into difficulties.

Despite the setback, efforts to calm the situation and prevent a further deterioration in relations are continuing behind the scenes.

The contacts have been taking place in recent days ahead of the elections, as both sides seek to resolve the growing friction surrounding Shas.

According to Bechadrei Charedim, the mediator in the discussions is Momo Deri, the brother of the Shas chairman, who is considered a trusted figure for sensitive assignments within the party.

For now, no agreement has been reached, but efforts to restore working relations between Deri and Rav Yitzchak Yosef’s circle are continuing.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)