Responding to widespread media coverage of the letter sent to State Comptroller Justice Micha Lindenstrauss alleging “bordering on illegal activities” among senior officials surrounding Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita, HaGaon HaRav David Yosef rejects the accuracy of the allegations.

Named in the letter by a family member as the main person running Shas’ behind the scenes operations towards gaining control of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Rabbi Moshe Yosef states he has no connection with any such dealings.

The news was released in an erev Shabbos Yediot Achronot story, which ties senior Shas officials to efforts to advance the rav’s Badatz Beit Yosef hashgacha.

According to a Kikar Shabbat report, quoting a statement made during a private meeting between HaRav David and those close to him, with the rav denying any such part in the alleged activities detailed in the letter.

He called the allegations against him “libelous” and issued a denial. “It is unconscionable that I would have a hand in any such actions that would harm my father, Maran Shlita. I have no connection to this”.

Kikar adds that a person close to Rav David explains that this is being done against Rav David because he is very close to Aryeh Deri. The report adds the anonymous person as saying “There are people here trying to create a rift between Rav David and his father, which is why he is mentioned as the main player in the letter, no other reason”.

Kikar adds it has learned the source behind the letter is a fist level relative but not one of Rav David’s brothers. The report concludes that despite media reports to the contrary, MK Eitan Cabel has no connection to the entire matter.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)