Netanyahu defends Aryeh Deri amid political pressure, praises his security contributions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement defending Shas leader Aryeh Deri against what he described as attacks from the media and the left. Netanyahu accused critics of hypocrisy, claiming they are now offering the ultra-Orthodox community significant concessions to join their political ranks. He emphasized that Deri and Shas remain important partners in the right-wing bloc's governance of the country, and highlighted Deri's contributions to Israel's security through his work in the Security Cabinet.