(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

MK Yisrael Eichler uses the Knesset podium to send a clear message regarding the Shabbos status quo and the coalition. He begins explaining Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated with the current threats facing Israel, this is not the time to break up coalitions and go to early elections. He added that Lieberman also accuses the chareidi parties of breaking the religious status quo vis-à-vis the new Shabbos Law being pushed to give the Interior Ministry authority to close stores on Shabbos.

Eichler begins by explaining that the chareidim are not breaking the Shabbos status quo, but in actuality, they are “returning” the authority that was taken from the Interior Ministry in this matter. Hence, they are returning the status quo to what it was before it was changed.

Eichler adds it is Shabbos and adherence to mitzvos which protects the nation as far as the chareidim feel and without Shabbos, there is no Eretz Yisrael or the future existence of the Jewish people.

He then goes on to quite Yirmiyahu and what will result if Bnei Yisrael fail to keep the Shabbos as instructed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)