MK Buso criticizes haredi draft march, says Shas, Likud will continue collaboration after election

"These are the same people who also march against the haredi parties. Against me and against each and every one of us."

Shas and Likud intend to continue cooperating after the elections at the end of next month, Shas MK Uriel Busso said in an interview with 103FM on Monday, as he addressed the political situation ahead of the vote.

"First of all, we haven't boycotted anyone. The people of Israel want to receive the service they deserve. The media is trying to generate a lot of sensationalism and controversy," Busso said.

He stressed that Shas and Likud intend to continue working together in the next Knesset. "Prime Minister Netanyahu sets certain guidelines that are appropriate for a Zionist, values-based government, and we are part of that government. That's how it has been, and that's how it will continue."

Busso then addressed a march held on Sunday in the streets of Bnei Brak against the arrests of draft dodgers who were detained while on their way abroad.

"These are the same people who also march against the haredi parties. Against me and against each and every one of us."

"This is not the true mainstream of the haredi public. It started with a few hundred people, but when you hold a procession in Bnei Brak, people come out into the streets," Busso said. "They're not necessarily there because they're part of the demonstration and march."

"Even if you held a procession of trucks, to make a distinction, thousands would come out. That's Bnei Brak. It's not really an expression of identification with the substance of the march," he added.

Busso: True Torah study should exempt you from enlisting

"Those who study, who truly study, should have their status regulated. Those who don't study, I don't need to give you the list," Busso said.

"Anyone who is part of a yeshiva framework, the yeshiva is committed. He is doing it properly. We're talking about those who genuinely don't study. But the rabbis' real concern is that they want to know that whoever enters the army will come out exactly as he went in."

Busso later addressed disillusioned voices within haredi society and Shas chairman Arye Deri, who has been absent from the campaign spotlight.

"Deri has done more for Torah scholars during the last term than anyone else. Deri was the most responsible person throughout the entire war. He knew how to sit quietly in the right cabinets and in the right places."