Rabbi Yosef asks PM to back Yishai

Shas spiritual leader relays message to Netanyahu through his bureau chief, says interior minister 'did a lot during the fire and couldn't have done more'

Kobi Nahshoni |Published: 01.12.11 , 11:51

Shas' spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef on Tuesday protested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of backing for Eli Yishai in regards to the interior minister's responsibility for the Carmel fire failures.

Rabbi Yosef made the remarks in a private meeting with the prime minister's bureau chief, Natan Eshel, which focused on urgent political issues as well.

"He did a lot during the fire and couldn't have done more. He must be backed," Yosef said about Yishai. He asked Eshel to relay the message to Netanyahu.

Shas officials have been feeling very frustrated in recent days in light of Netanyahu's lack of backing. The party had hoped to receive the prime minister's support after Yishai agreed to renege on his call for a state commission of inquiry into the Carmel disaster.

The feeling reached a peak after the outburst of Danny Rosen, the partner of Haifa Police chief Ahuva Tomer who died in the fire, against Yishai in front of Netanyahu.

On Sunday, Netanyahu made a cynic comment directed at Yishai, who had slammed his plan to establish new Fire and Rescue Services. "I suggest you stop sending me, how shall I put it, cover letters," Netanyahu told ministers at Sunday's cabinet meeting immediately after Yishai criticized him.