Health Minister Yaakov Litzman announced he will make good on his promise to resign from the cabinet if Israel Railways continued with Chilul Shabbos, which it did. At present, Litzman is resigning from the cabinet only, a symbolic gesture as he remains a MK and remains in the coalition. Hence, his resignation does not topple the coalition and does not compel elections.

Litzman explains he cannot be part of a cabinet that approves Chilul Shabbos. However, he is fine being a member of the coalition that turns a blind eye to Chilul Shabbos. However, his move may trigger a break from the coalition by Shas or the Degel Hatorah faction of Yahadut Hatorah.

The Sunday morning 8 Kislev edition of Yated Neeman expresses anger over the continued Chilul Shabbos by Israel Railways as well as the opening of grocery stores in Tel Aviv.

Hamodia praises Litzman’s decision to resign from the cabinet. Shas party chairman Aryeh Deri explained the matter at length to the head of the Moetzas Gedolei Torah, HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita, and received instructions as how to act. HaRav Cohen instructed MK Bentzur to notify other council members of the direction he gave Deri.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)