Shas parliament member Yaakov Margi
Shas parliament member Yaakov MargiFlash 90

As tensions between Likud and Shas over the terms of a coalition agreement continue, the haredi party appears to be dealing with its own internal problems. 

On Monday, Alon Nuriel, a parliamentary aide to Shas MK Yaakov Margi announced that he was resigning. The reason: to ensure Shas chairman Aryeh Deri appoints Margi to a ministerial role. 

According to Nuriel, because of his kinship with former Shas head Eli Yishai, Shas has vetoed giving Margi a portfolio should Nuriel continue to work for him. 

Bitter rivals in the latest election, the already tense relationship between Deri and Yishai exploded when Yishai left Shas in December to form his own party, Yachad-Ha'am Itanu. 

Yachad did not end up passing the Knesset threshold, but Shas dropped to seven seats, from the 11 it held in the previous Knesset. 

"Currently, negotiations are underway to form a government in which it appears MK Yaakov Margi will receive a ministerial role," Nuriel said, "but because of a veto, a political reality has been created against my continuing to serve as an advisor to MK Margi." 

"I served him with dedication for over 14 years," Nuriel added. "I prefer not to hurt his chances to serve in any role offered to him...Unfortunately, I will quit."

"I feel satisfaction for the many years of work in my role as parliamentary aide and communications advisor to the MK, and wholeheartedly wish my friend MK Margi success," Nuriel concluded. 

Shas, meanwhile, has denied the allegations and asserts that no veto on giving Margi a ministerial position as based on Nuriel's relation to Yishai exists.