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.