Yesh Atid Chairman MK Yair Lapid explained why he supported MK (Shas) Ben-Tzur as the Knesset representative in the committee for appointing dayanim, instead of appointing someone on behalf of his faction. The reaction created questions, questions and even allegations that a deal may have been made. Lapid explained that there is no deal. The promise to Ben-Tzur was made to prevent MK Yisrael Eichler from continuing to serve on the committee.

The chairman has a surprising future this evening when he responded to a surfer on his Facebook page that his party would support MK Yoav Ben-Tzur in a vote for the committee to appoint dayanim.

Lapid’s remarks came against the background of a statement by Rachel Schlesenberg, who wrote that “there is information on the subject in support of MK Shas to the dayanim committee. As a supporter, many of my colleagues are asking for an unequivocal clarification on the subject,” she wrote.

Some two hours later, Lapid responded, �Shalom Rachel. We prefer to back Yoav Ben-Tzion, a person with moderate views relatively speaking, to prevent the election of Eicher who is extremist. Certainly, we would prefer the election of [MK Dr.] Aliza [Lavie of our party], but there is no hope of this occurring and my decisions are made in the world of reality�.

Lapid continued by clarifying there is no secret deal with Shas and the Yesh Atid party as some are alleging to be the case. He stressed �Yahadut Hatorah is looking for a way to permit Eichler to continue, the very same Eicher who labeled Yesh Atid anti-Semitic, and he is a true extremist�.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)