Deri Snubs Smotrich, Highlighting Tensions Within Netanyahu Bloc
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Shas Chairman Arie Deri reportedly refused to shake hands with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, highlighting growing tensions between them ahead of elections. The dispute stems from disagreements over budget allocations, particularly to settlements, and Shas's demand for increased funding for the ultra-Orthodox community. A previous rotation agreement for the Finance Ministry was scuttled by a court ruling disqualifying Deri, leaving Smotrich in the post and fueling ongoing friction within the right-wing bloc.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Arie Deri refused to shake hands with Bezalel Smotrich after a TV appearance, signaling political friction.
- Shas is angered by settlement funding and claims the ultra-Orthodox community's needs are unmet.
- Deri allegedly sought a united front with United Torah Judaism against Smotrich's reappointment.
- A prior rotation agreement for the Finance Ministry failed due to Deri's disqualification.
- Disputes over budgets and portfolios are intensifying ahead of the upcoming elections.
A brief backstage encounter at Channel 14's "The Patriots" program revealed underlying tensions within the Netanyahu bloc. Arie Deri, chairman of the Shas party, reportedly refused to shake hands with Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party and current Finance Minister, after an interview. This incident is seen as a reflection of escalating friction between the two leaders ahead of the upcoming elections.
Recent reports suggest Deri has privately vowed to work against Smotrich's reappointment as Finance Minister in the next government. Shas is reportedly angered by the allocation of billions of shekels to settlements, arguing that the needs of the ultra-Orthodox public are not being adequately addressed. Deri has allegedly approached United Torah Judaism to form a united front on this issue.
The dispute over the Finance Ministry portfolio is not new. Following the formation of the current government, a rotation agreement was made for Smotrich to serve as Finance Minister first, with Deri expected to take over later. However, the Supreme Court disqualified Deri from serving as a minister due to a tax offense conviction, preventing the rotation and leaving Smotrich in the role. This has become a significant point of contention between the parties.
As elections approach, disagreements over ministerial portfolios and budget allocations threaten to worsen relations within the right-wing bloc. For Shas, key issues include funding for ultra-Orthodox educational institutions and the status of yeshiva students, with Deri stating his party will not support a future government without arrangements for Torah scholars. Smotrich, meanwhile, has expressed his desire to continue as Finance Minister.
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