UTJ leads talks with Eisenkot-led bloc due to deep Shas-Likud ties, ex-Shas spokesperson says

Former Shas spokesperson Itzik Sudri discussed the differences between Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) in a Thursday interview on 103FM, amid ongoing talks between the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox (haredi) party and the bloc led by Yashar chair Gadi Eisenkot.Sudri explained why UTJ is taking the lead in the negotiations, assessed that Shas would struggle to join a government led by the change bloc, and highlighted the bloc's willingness to compromise on the military conscription law.Sudri began by discussing the differences between Ashkenazi and Sephardi haredi leadership and how they affect the prospects for political cooperation."There is a fundamental difference between the approaches of the different leaderships, between the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox leadership and the Sephardi ultra-Orthodox leadership," he said.According to Sudri, "The Sephardi ultra-Orthodox leadership represents a diverse public, not just the hardcore ultra-Orthodox public.""It has additional circles of religious and traditional Jews. A Sephardi rabbi's synagogue truly includes everyone, from the ultra-Orthodox person to the person who comes to pray. It includes everyone, whereas an Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox synagogue includes only Ashkenazim."He then addressed the position of Shas chairman Arye Deri and explained why the party is unlikely to join a government led by the change bloc."Arye Deri is the chairman of the movement. His position is not in question. He is stronger than ever," explained Sudri.