Coalition Chairman (Likud) David Bitan told Mordechai Lavi of Kol Chai Radio on Sunday morning 8 Kislev that the matter of Israel Railways Chilul Shabbos does not have to result in resignations and the collapse of the coalition.

Bitan explained “I cannot say there will not be Chilul Shabbos, but it is limited to critical work and we are not just scheduling work for Shabbos due to convenience”. He insists Litzman should not resign from the cabinet and the chareidim, if they are willing to work with the coalition, do not have to give ultimatums.

Bitan explains “It is not just the trains, but the grocery stores in Tel Aviv too”. Bitan feels there is room to work together and Shabbos will be maintained with the exception of absolutely necessary cases which compel Chilul Shabbos.

Bitan feels that a law can be legislated to permit Litzman to serve as a deputy health minister with ministerial authority, as was the case in the past. However, the High Court of Justice ruled this was not acceptable, leading to Litzman agreeing to become a cabinet minister in this specific case.

Bitan feels a law can be legislated to circumvent the High Court and permit Litzman to return to his slot as a deputy minister, and therefore; he does not have to feel the responsibility for Chilul Shabbos that he does as a member of the cabinet.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)