The chareidim appear unwilling to accept the options that will be recommended by the government-appointed committee which is to make recommendations regarding businesses operating in Tel Aviv on Shabbos. The committee  is comprised of directors-general of ministries including and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The chareidi parties appear unwilling to accept any of the three options the committee is expected to recommend to the cabinet, as the chareidim remain opposed to businesses operating on Shabbos. Hence, it appears the chareidim will sign off on a plan to permit convenience stores in gas stations to operate in addition to three shopping centers if left without an alternative, a plan formulated by the directors-general of the Interior and Religious Services Ministries. For now, the chareidim are objecting to any such scenario but if it becomes clear that there will have to be a level of compromise, this plan may be approved, which the chareidim feel will involve the least amount of chilul Shabbos.

Officials in Deri’s office explain he is working to find a solution and not “just to extinguish fires”, stressing the importance of maintaining the long-standing religious status quo.

MK (Yesh Atid) Elazar Stern opposes the Deri plan, which would compel makolets (grocery stores) to close, as they have been opening on Shabbos and Stern feels it is essential to permit them to open in the future. He calls on Deri to work together talks anchoring Shabbos in the correct place alongside achdus, and to work together to find a mutually acceptable solution that will preserve the character of Shabbos in Israel.

The proposals that the committee is planning to submit would permit at least 128 stores to operate legally in the city on Shabbos.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)