It depends on who one wishes to believe, but according to senior Shas officials, Yisrael Beitenu offered a deal, support for the Chametz Bill which is of significant importance to Shas in exchange for Shas� support for Yisrael Beitenu�s bill permitting civil marriage for non-Jews.

Yisrael Beitenu officials deny such a deal was made, releasing the statement following party minister Yitzchak Aharonovitch refusing to support the joint Shas-Kadima Chametz Law that was presented to the Ministerial Legislative Subcommittee on Sunday.

Yisrael Beitenu officials insist that such a deal was never made, and it will not take place at any time in the future.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)