Document: One Israel - Shas "Security Umbrella" Agreement and Interview with Shas Spokesman

Aaron Lerner Date: 30 October, 2000

The following is IMRA's translation of the complete text of the "Security Umbrella" Agreement signed this evening between Shas and the One Israel Party [the Spokesman of Shas faxed IMRA a copy of the signed agreement]

1 Cheshvan 5691
30 October 2000

"Security Umbrella" Agreement

1. Shas does not join the Government at this time.

2. In light of the diplomatic and security crisis situation, Shas grants the Prime Minister and the Government (Security Umbrella) for a period of 4 weeks.

3. The status quo on state-religion matters - including the matter of the drafting of yeshiva students - will be preserved.

4. No change in the status quo will be carried out, including changes resulting from the civic reforms, including structural changes already taking place, and the break up of the Ministry of Religion will be cancelled.

5. The Shas faction will be integrated into the diplomatic-security decision making forum in a way that will be acceptable to it.

(SIGNATURES)
Minister of Religion Yossi Beilin

Chairman of Shas Faction, MK Yair Peretz

IMRA interviewed Yitzhak Suderi, spokesman of Shas, in Hebrew, on 30
October 2000:

IMRA: What diplomatic-security decision making forum does Shas have
in mind?

Suderi: Right no we do not know. What is important is the results.That we will be partners in the decision making. How is a matter that is less important. What is important is that we are partners in the decision making.

IMRA: You will be partners before Peres goes to meet with Arafat?

Suderi: We will have to be partners in the diplomatic process and the decision making. Certainly. I look at the results. The result that we are partners. How exactly, within the cabinet, as observers, I cannot specify.

IMRA: But in terms of time you expect that partnership means that before things happen. . .

Suderi: Certainly. We also know how to read newspapers.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director
IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)

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