Netanyahu backs Deri and attacks the left

In depth

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement of support for Shas chairman Aryeh Deri. According to Arutz Sheva, Netanyahu attacked the media and the left, which he claimed have for years been working to crush the Shas party, and accused them of hypocrisy over their attempts to draw the Haredim into their ranks. According to Kikar HaShabbat, the statement comes against the backdrop of efforts by the left-wing bloc to lure the Haredim into a government led by Gadi Eisenkot.

According to Ynet, the party collapsed to 6 seats in the elections, and Netanyahu issued the statement of support after Deri did not respond. According to Behadrei Haredim, those around Netanyahu fear that Deri will loosen his grip on Shas.