Shas MKs met Netanyahu hours before Liberman statement

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi denied reports this evening of a breakdown in communication between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shas chairman MK Aryeh Deri, as coalition negotiations continue ahead of the 2026 elections.

In an interview with Yaakov Grodka on Kol Barama Radio's main evening broadcast, Karhi addressed reports of difficulties in communication between party leaders and clarified that the partnership within the right-wing bloc remains intact.

"Just two hours ago, Shas representatives were sitting in the Prime Minister's office," Minister Karhi said during the interview. "The reports that supposedly Deri isn't answering the Prime Minister? Complete nonsense."

Channel 12: Shas staying in Netanyahu bloc

Channel 12 political correspondent Amit Segal corroborated Karhi's account, reporting this evening that Shas MKs are taking an active part in discussions at Netanyahu's office, focusing on the investigation into suspected fraud and foreign interference in the Arab sector.

"Staying in the Netanyahu bloc, for now," Segal noted in his report. "Shas MKs participated this evening in a discussion with Netanyahu on the investigation into suspected fraud in the Arab sector."

The participation of Shas representatives in discussions at the Prime Minister's office indicates continued close coordination within the right-wing and chareidi bloc, which holds 53 mandates, as the entire political system awaits developments surrounding the investigation and the next steps in forming the government.