Shas: Netanyahu cut a deal with Center bloc

Haredi party intensifies attack on Likud-Beiteinu, claiming coalition with Lapid, Livni imminent. Likud: It's an Ugly spin

Akiva Novick|Published: 01.13.13 , 12:51

The Shas party's triumvirate has intensified its attacks on the ruling party. "Likud-Beiteinu has closed a deal with (Yair) Lapid and (Tzipi) Livni," claimed Eli Yishai, Aryeh Deri and Ariel Atias in a joint statement.

According to the three, "The Likud-Beiteinu evasion of clear answers regarding the future coalition means a planned Likud-Lapid government like the one in 2003 which, without Shas, has led to harsh economic measures and attacks on Jewish traditions."

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"We have already announced we will recommend Netanyahu to form the next government, and so we shall. But only a strong Shas in government will force Netanyahu not to ignore the lower classes."

On Saturday Deri called on the prime minister to negotiate terms for the next government.

"Call me, I'm willing to come to your house and decide our joining the government," said Deri on Channel 2's "Meet the Press."

Shas' spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef

In response, the Likud-Beiteinu issued a harsh statement: "The public should remember how Deri sided with the Left during the Oslo Accords. Whoever votes for Shas might find it in coalition with the Left."

Senior Likud members blamed Deri of spin-doctoring and said the Likud will not enter into negotiations with Shas prior to the elections.

The Likud's election campaign also accused Deri of racism: "It is strange that after he apologized for racist insults against the olim Deri still supports Shas' racist and offensive ad campaign."

Meanwhile, Shas' spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef was discharged from the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem on Sunday, the hospital said. Rabbi Yosef was hospitalized over the weekend following a minor stroke.