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Shas party members have considerable influence in Israel. They're part of Netanyahu's governing coalition. Yosef must be reckoned with. Twenty years ago Hosni Mubarak invited him to his private residence. He thanked him for supporting peace. He also sought personal ties.
Mubarak knew what others do now. Yosef's views matter. If he's against attacking Iran, Netanyahu may have to rethink policy. If he supports it, Netanyahu and other hardliners will be freer to act.
Yitzhak Rabin met with him three times before finalizing the Oslo Accords. Ariel Sharon saw him twice before announcing his Gaza disengagement plan. Thousands of Gush Katif residents were moved unwillingly to new homes.
In 2007, before attacking Syria's alleged nuclear site, Ehud Olmert discussed it with Yosef. He did again before attacking Lebanon in 2006.
Last October, Netanhayu sought Yosef's approval on Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged for Gilat Shalit. US Israeli ambassador Dan Shapiro established a friendly relationship with him before assuming his post. He went out of his way to meet with him on arrival. Other meetings followed.
On August 17, Yosef met privately with Netanhayu, Shas party Interior Minister Eli Yishai and National Security Council head Ya'akov Amidror.
Yishai opposes war. Amidror supports it. He's hardline against Iranian influence. He calls its peaceful nuclear program threatening.
Yishai expressed concern after the meeting ended. Perhaps Yosef endorsed Netanyahu's plan. Whatever his previous views, he may have been manipulated to believe Iran poses an existential threat. He addressed other views in Israel, saying:
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