POLITICAL TENSIONS: Netanyahu Publicly Backs Deri As Shas Leader Reportedly Ignores His Calls

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a public statement of support for Shas chairman Aryeh Deri on Monday morning, amid reports of growing tensions between the longtime political allies following last week’s Knesset elections.

The statement comes after reports that Deri has been avoiding Netanyahu’s phone calls since the election results were announced, instead directing the prime minister to his close associate, Yisrael Bachar.

In his statement, Netanyahu strongly defended Deri against criticism from the media and political left, accusing them of attempting to weaken Shas while simultaneously seeking the support of Chareidi parties.

“For years, Aryeh Deri has stood firm against the unrestrained attacks of the media and the left, who want to destroy Shas,” Netanyahu wrote.

“Now, in hypocrisy that cries out to the heavens, they are prepared to offer the Chareidim heaven and earth to get them to join their side.”

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Deri and Shas to his political alliance.

“Aryeh Deri and Shas are important partners of mine and of the right-wing bloc in leading the country, and Aryeh Deri contributes greatly to Israel’s security in the cabinet,” the prime minister added.

The unusual public declaration comes amid growing concerns within Netanyahu’s inner circle that Deri may be considering reducing his involvement in Shas following the party’s disappointing election performance.

According to Bechadrei Chareidim, Netanyahu’s associates fear that Deri could loosen his control over the party or stop managing its political affairs with the same intensity as in previous years.

Such a development could create significant difficulties for Netanyahu, who has relied heavily on Deri as a central figure in maintaining political relationships with the Chareidi community.

For years, Deri has served as Netanyahu’s primary political contact with the Sephardic Torah leadership and, at times, with senior Ashkenazi rabbanim as well.

Without Deri’s centralized leadership, Netanyahu’s associates fear that Shas could become more difficult to negotiate with, as competing political figures and interests emerge within the party.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

“For years, Aryeh Deri has stood firm against the unrestrained attacks of the media and the left, who want to destroy Shas,” Netanyahu wrote.

“Now, in hypocrisy that cries out to the heavens, they are prepared to offer the Chareidim heaven and earth to get them to join their side.”

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Deri and Shas to his political alliance.

According to Bechadrei Chareidim, Netanyahu’s associates fear that Deri could loosen his control over the party or stop managing its political affairs with the same intensity as in previous years.

Such a development could create significant difficulties for Netanyahu, who has relied heavily on Deri as a central figure in maintaining political relationships with the Chareidi community.

For years, Deri has served as Netanyahu’s primary political contact with the Sephardic Torah leadership and, at times, with senior Ashkenazi rabbanim as well.

Without Deri’s centralized leadership, Netanyahu’s associates fear that Shas could become more difficult to negotiate with, as competing political figures and interests emerge within the party.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)

Jooish

POLITICAL TENSIONS: Netanyahu Publicly Backs Deri As Shas Leader Reportedly Ignores His Calls

Jooish

POLITICAL TENSIONS: Netanyahu Publicly Backs Deri As Shas Leader Reportedly Ignores His Calls