Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman announced he would back Likud Jerusalem Affairs Minister Ze’ev Elkin’s bid to become mayor of Jerusalem if the candidate agrees to close the pubs in Machane Yehuda. When Elkin arrived at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday morning, journalists waited for him, asking if he would comply with such a request. Elkin stated clearly he would not do so.

The shuk has become a hub of nighttime activities including pubs and entertainment, as per the plan by Mayor Nir Barkat. This is especially true on Thursday nights, when the entertainment venues remain open until sunrise.

Elkin’s position may make it more difficult in obtaining chareidi support for his election bid but it is most unlikely that any of the other candidates at present, will agree to Litzman’s demands, leading to the speculation that there may still be a chareidi candidate in the race.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)