Israel’s new coalition might be on its way to breaking up. Social Services Minister, Yaakov Margi of the “Shas” party, said this morning that if the chairman of his party Aryeh Deri cannot remain a minister following the expected Supreme Court ruling regarding his criminal case, they will dissolve the government.
In his own words that seemed more like extortive blackmail in a radio interview early Wednesday, Margi said "If Aryeh Deri is not in the government, there will be no government. " Margi later added that "I will recommend to the Council of Torah Sages [Shas’s spiritual leaders] that if Aryeh Deri is not in the government there is no government, that is my opinion."
Minister Yaakov Margi says that if the court indeed disqualifies Deri, the Prime Minister will have to make a decision. https://t.co/l03F8MacZc
— Israel National News - Arutz Sheva (@ArutzSheva_En) January 18, 2023
Another member of Shas further added that "there will be no situation for the government to exist without Deri. This is the Likud's problem and they will find a way to solve it." MK Ariel Kellner from the Likud party was also recorded saying afterward that he "understands the mindset of Shas, of a huge public that says 'they underestimate us'. We will have to find solutions for this situation."
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, also from the Likud, commented on the expected Supreme Court decision in a tweet. "If the High Court decides that Esther Hayut [President of the Court] is the Prime Minister from now on and forever, contrary to the Basic Law of the Government, should we not protect our democracy? Of course, we shall. This is a decision without authority. This is exactly the meaning of interfering with the prime minister in the appointment of ministers contrary to the basic law of the government, isn't it?"
Here is the law.
— Maccabi Lev-Ari #EndJewHatred (@Maccabi226km) January 15, 2023
And here is why they want to weaken the #SupremeCourtOfIsrael. https://t.co/EjCdLNECDn
This week, Deri made it clear that even if the High Court of Israel disqualifies him, he will not resign, recorded in closed conversations saying: "The responsibility is on Netanyahu, he needs to solve this problem." However, even in Likud, it is difficult to find creative solutions that would keep Deri in the government legally. It should also be noted that it is likely many Likud members behind closed doors are willing to let go of Deri in exchange for a more moderate party that would consider joining their coalition, to balance out the current situation.
In the event that the Supreme Court disqualifies Deri and Netanyahu and refuses to respect the ruling, it will be a precedent-setting decision by the Prime Minister, who will in fact disobey a judicial decision and then face proceedings for charges of contempt of court. Another possibility is that Netanyahu will appoint Deri as an alternate prime minister, and return him to his position after overturning the court’s heavy sway on Knesset's decisions.
Shas legislator Avraham Bezalel: "If the Supreme Court rules that Ariyeh Deri is unfit to serve as minister they're shooting themselves in the head, they know where the public stands on this."
— Noga Tarnopolsky נגה טרנופולסקי نوغا ترنوبولسكي (@NTarnopolsky) January 17, 2023
Interviewer "Isn't that slightly threatening?"
Bezalel: "Nope." https://t.co/1TshqDLdkI
Aryeh Deri was convicted of tax offenses in 2021 after pleading guilty to the charges as part of a plea bargain before the Jerusalem Magistrates' Court. Ahead of the plea, Deri resigned from the Knesset. As part of the plea, which keeps him out of jail on a suspended sentence, Deri promised not to re-enter the political realm. Going back on his word, Deri rejoined Shas and entered the government with Netanyahu on the provision that they will change the law allowing convicted felons from serving in the government.
Deri's conviction was not his first. In the early 2000's he was convicted of fraud and breach of trust while serving as Interior Minister. After serving time in prison he was barred from running for office for a period of 7 years.
