Following the Likud-Yisrael Beyteinu merger last week, it was rumored that Shas would unify with the Ashkenazi-hareidi party Yahadut Hatorah to create a large hareidi-religious political presence to counter Likud’s anticipated growth. However, Shas spokesmen clarified Sunday that there are no such plans.

Shas sources said that in principle they would be happy to unite with Yahadut Hatorah on a single hareidi list. However, they said, in practice they fear that such a move would alienate the traditionally observant, non-hareidi supporters who make up a significant percent of their voter base.