Former Shas chairman Aryeh Deri’s inner circle says that he does not plan on returning to the Shas party as he reenters the political scene in Israel.
His preference, his close associates say, is to form a new movement, particularly at this time, when divisions within Israel are peaking and ahead of elections that will be focusing on these very divisions.
He feels he can issue a message that will resonate with the public, as he forms a party that will incorporate charedim, traditional Jews, secularists, and Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews in general.
A final decision has yet to be reached, but it is expected within a week.
One source says that the new party will be Kavod Umasoret, a name that has been registered with the national election committee.
Deri would hope to get the approbation of Chacham Ovadia Yosef, but that is not likely.
Deri recently got up from shivah following the petirah of his father.
Three weeks ago, current Shas chairman Eli Yishai addressed the possibility of Deri’s return for the first time. Yishai speculated that Chacham Ovadiah would not permit Deri to form a separate party ahead of the next general elections. Speaking to the Kol Barama radio station, Yishai called on his predecessor to return to Shas party, adding that Deri “would not do anything contrary to the opinion of (Chacham Ovadiah).”
In June 2011 Deri announced that he was planning to form a new political movement ahead of the next elections. “In Israel one cannot contribute without political clout,” he said at the time. “I want to use my clout to foster unity.”
{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel}
i would vote just for the name
May he have hazlaocha