Aryeh Deri
Aryeh DeriMiriam Alster/Flash 90

Shas chairman and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri apologized Monday for his attack on Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar.

"A terrible thing is being spoken about in Israel" Deri said, paraphrasing a biblical verse. "All conventions were broken. Anyone who has known me for the last 30 years knows that I would never harm the honor of the Torah."

Deri added that "it is clear to all of you that this was said in a personal conversation, and it is about that situation the Bible says: 'Cursed be those that strike another in secret' (Deuteronomy 27:23). But despite my misdeed, I regret what was said, especially about Rabbi Amar, who is one of our greatest rabbis."

Deri even sent a message of reconciliation to MK Yaakov Margi after he implied in the recording that the MK was a partner to the intra-party "rebellion" against him.

"Because MK Margie's name was embedded in the conversation that was distributed, I want to clarify - I also met with him today, and we spoke - that I certainly did not think he had any part in scheming against Shas. I wish all the factions could be as united as Shas," he said.

Last week, a recording of a phone conversation was leaked in which Deri spoke insultingly of the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem.