National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir charged Monday evening that the Shas party is choosing to harm Israeli security, warning that what he called a Deri-Tibi political deal is returning "in a big way." The remark escalates intra-coalition criticism ahead of the state budget vote.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir accused the Shas party of undermining Israeli security by reviving what he described as a political axis with Arab parties. The incident marks the latest clash between the Otzma Yehudit leader and Shas chairman Aryeh Deri amid coalition tensions over the state budget and broader policy disputes.
Ben Gvir's comment echoes previous warnings: last week, sources close to him accused Deri of pushing for Red Cross visits to Nukhba terrorists, and earlier this month Ben Gvir directly told Deri not to make a political turn against haredim. This time he cited a "Deri-Tibi deal" — a reference to coalition understandings between Shas and MK Ahmad Tibi's faction.
The context of the budget vote, scheduled for this week, has intensified friction within the coalition. Ben Gvir has previously threatened to oppose the budget if his security-related demands are not met, while Shas leaders have pushed for allocations to their constituency. The statement was published without specific policy details, and no immediate response from Shas or Deri was available.
- DevelopingShas to oppose bill barring Red Cross visits to security prisoners, Ben Gvir charges
- DevelopingBen Gvir warns of ‘unbearable price’ for threats on Israeli citizens
- DevelopingBen Gvir camp slams Deri, accuses him of pushing for Red Cross visits to Nukhba terrorists
- DevelopingShas chairman Deri slams Ben Gvir: 'Wake up' — police act against Torah learners, not anarchists
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