Former Shas leader and Interior Minister, Aryeh Deri, was released from prison this morning - an hour and a half earlier than planned. The early start was for the purpose of heading off planned celebrations in his honor, to which Deri has expressed his strong objections. He was released after serving 2/3 of his three-year sentence. Speaking to reporters, Deri said, \"I am smiling, without anger and with no desire for vengeance. I have nothing against anyone, neither within [the party] nor without. I will continue to fight to prove my innocence… Now that I have seen what goes on on the fringe of society, I would like to dedicate myself to individuals and families that need help.\" Party leader Interior Minister Eli Yeshai called on Deri, his rival, to return to the party, but Deri has politely turned him down.