A bill seeking to legalize public bus service was defeated in Knesset on Wednesday 16 Sivan in a 53-42 vote. Some find it worrisome that the bill was only defeated by a margin of 11 votes. In his response to the vote, Transportation Minister (Likud) Yisrael Katz cited the bill attempts to compromise the religious status quo.

The Knesset defeated the bill in its preliminary reading. The bill was initiated by former Herzliya Mayor, MK (Yesh Atid) Yael German, MK (Yesh Atid) Karin Elharrar and MK (Yesh Atid) Yoel Rozbozov. The MKs feel many non-observant residents are stranded at home on the day of rest for they do not have a vehicle and cannot afford a taxi. They label the bill a step in the correct direction for correcting a social injustice.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)