Tensions between political rivals Aryeh Deri and Eli Yishai are stronger than ever, and a telephone information line affiliated with Shas is illustrating those strained relations.
In the haredi community, where members remain disconnected from television, the internet, and secular media, call lines can serve as the biggest go-to for political information.
The Shas phone line allows callers to listen to "platform updates," "the holy words of Maran [Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef]," "Shas songs of all time," and Deri's speeches.
The phone line also allows party voters to leave messages for fellow callers and friends. However, this feature has quickly turned into an easy way to attack Yishai, who left Shas in December to form Yachad-Ha'am Itanu.
"I was told [on the line] Friday that Yishai will not pass the threshold," one listener told Walla! News, showcasing the tension that has manifested between members of the haredi Mizrahi community. "Whoever votes for him is an idiot."
Another listener alerted his friend that a a Yishai event in Netivot "had been a total failure. There were only a thousand people there, most of them Shas voters."
Yet another activist asked listeners to come to the Jerusalem Central Bus Station to "fill the trash with Eli Yishai stickers and signs. Whoever can come is blessed."
Another activist reported that a Rabbi had given permission to Shas supporters to steal Yachad's information materials, calling this a "commandment."
Recently, Yishai revealed that he had recordings which would ensure Shas does not pass the Knesset threshold.
Deri responded angrily Monday, saying no such recordings exist, and accusing Yishai of mendaciousness. According to Deri, Yishai has consistently attacked Shas throughout the campaign period despite claiming this is not his intention.