A fiery confrontation took place at noon on Monday, November 4, 2019, between Minister of Transportation Betzalel Smotrich and several mayors and Members of Knesset regarding the call by the mayors to back public transportation on Shabbos.

The Chairman of the Knesset Finance Committee, MK Moshe Gafne, began the session speaking out strongly against the fact there are mayors in Israel who are planning to run buses on Shabbos in cities in Gush Dan. Smotrich explained that from a legal standpoint, he cannot prevent this and his only option is to exert pressure on the mayors. “I am extremely pained by the attack on the [religious] status quo” Smotrich added, explaining these mayors are taking advantage of a legal loophole.

Smotrich added the passengers on Shabbos will not be paying for the service, but the local governments are funding the bus service on their own, finding a source of revenue to run the buses. Smotrich explained that his hands are tied on the matter, other than pressuring those mayors involved.

At this time, the head of the Union of Local Government, who is also the mayor of Modi’in, Chaim Bibas, spoke up as well. “Focus on the real problems regarding transportation on weekdays. We have yet to arrive at Shabbos.”

Smotrich explained the Shabbos bus programs are going to be beginning in two weeks. “It would be fitting for you, as the head of the Union of Local Authorities”, to become involved and address those mayors, who are acting against Shabbos.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)