Shas triumvirate leader Eli Yishai asserted Monday that his party is not afraid of being in the opposition.
In an interview with Israel Radio, Yishai said that Shas has been in the opposition before, and returned stronger to the coalition.
However, he asserted that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu wants a wide coalition and he wants Shas in it.
Addressing the issue of equalizing the burden, Yishai said Shas is willing to come to an agreement, but that it will not happen by force.
"It is a great mitzva to make a respectable living and there are thousands of haredim waiting to enter national service and academic studies. "The haredi public is flexible and open, and many want to joint the army," he said.
He added, however, that the process must be conducted in an organized, agreed-upon manner.