Shas officials are looking to veteran political strategist Yisrael Behar to come on board to direct their election campaign, Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reported. According to correspondent Yair Sriki, the deal with Behar has not been closed but it is imminent. Behar has served as a polling strategist for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in the past and is a well-respected political consultant/strategist.

Behar, who wears a kippa, appears to be entering the Shas team but he will be working with a team, perhaps a reality that will complicate his efforts as Aryeh Deri is heading the party’s election campaign, Eli Yishai is overseeing the election on Election Day and Ariel Atias is serving as head of publicity, so it may present Behar with a new challenge.

While Yishai and Deri continue to present a picture of harmonious achdus to the public after years of animosity, analysts are not convinced, as is the case with many voters, as the two leaders are far apart in their politics and hashkafa.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)