The High Court of Justice on Monday, 25 Teves, rejected a state request seeking a six-month delay in announcing its decision regarding operating businesses in Tel Aviv on Shabbos. The state claimed it required the delay because Interior Minister Aryeh Deri has yet to decide if he will permit a merger between Tel Aviv and Bat Yam, explaining a merger may impact the decision on operating stores in Tel Aviv on Shabbos.

The court was not having any of the explanations and insists the decision must be announced as planned. The court added whatever is decided, it is not “irrevocable” and may be changed at a future date pending on Deri’s municipal merger decision.

A committee was appointed, headed by the Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office Eli Groner, who has been working with a number of other director-generals towards reaching a decision. It has been rumored the committee is prepared to recommend permitting and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri and other chareidi elected officials are working to prevent this from taking place. Clearly the announced decision is being delayed to avoid a coalition crisis.

While Tel Aviv amended its Shabbos law a number of years ago, it has yet to succeed in having an Interior Minister sign off on it. Now, it awaits the decision from the government-appointed high-level committee.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)