There is no prohibition against women serving as Members of Knesset. LeHavdil, many years ago Devorah the Prophetess led the Jewish people. By us, the women work mostly in the areas of education, welfare chessed, and health. None of the women of Shas see themselves or see any need to sit in the Knesset. They prefer to deal with important issues and continuous action.

  -- Minister of Interior Eli Yishai

He should have just said the truth, that there are no female MKs in Shas because Rav Ovadiah says no, and they listen to him. That is what everybody knows is their standard answer for every policy question, so no reason it should not be just as adequate for this issue.