Interior Minister Aryeh Deri made a statement on Sunday at a campaign launch party for Shas, that claimed that Yisrael Beitenu party chairman Avidgor Lieberman has cut a deal with the Blue and White party. According to the claim, Lieberman has agreed to help form a left-wing government after the March 2nd Knesset election with the Blue and White party that would see the Arab Joint-List Arab party in the government.

The accusation came as Deri explained that this is what Lieberman meant by his recent comments where he stated that he has a plan to prevent Israel from heading to a fourth election.

�So now Lieberman is telling the truth this time. There is a clear agreement between him and Lapid, Gantz, Meretz, [Ahmed] Tibi and others to form a government right after the election.�

�That�s a fact that they have an agreement. I�m saying this with full awareness, and taking responsibility [for the comments]. This time, Lieberman is saying the truth. That means that this time, the danger is real.�

Noting his own past where he and Shas have agreed to sit with left-wing parties, Deri said that this time it is different because there is a distinct possibility of the government becoming a �left-wing, religion-hating government that relies on the Joint Arab List.�

Deri also blamed Lieberman for the ongoing political stalemate and forcing Israel into its third election in less than a year.

�There is only one person to blame for the situation the country is in, and that�s Avigdor Lieberman. All of the responsibility for the situation starts and ends with him. Today, we can see who torpedoed the formation of a unity government – and its Lieberman.�

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)