According to the Yediot Achronot survey published on Friday, a large majority, more than two-thirds of the Israeli public, is interested in operating public transportation on Shabbos, and favor civil marriage not within the framework of the Rabbinate. A smaller majority supports the forced recruitment of chareidi bnei Torah into the IDF, the legalization of cannabis and the amendment of the National Law to include equality for all citizens.

According to the poll, 68% of the public supports public transportation on Shabbos in cities and areas where the majority is comprised of secular residents, as opposed to 23% remain opposed. Regarding public transportation on Shabbos the platform of the Blue and White party is mentioned, along with Labor and Meretz, as the issue has been an essential one in the election campaign of the above-mentioned parties.

At present, there is no public transportation available on Shabbos with the exception of Haifa where there is limited service the Arab areas. The matter public transportation Shabbos is not anchored in the law, but it has been governed over the years by the so-called religious status quo that has existed in the State of Israel since its establishment. In reality there are bus lines that cease operating after Shabbos begins in the winter and also resume transportation before Shabbos ends. However, the accepted norm has been throughout the years that there is no legal public transportation available on Shabbos.

The Yediot poll address a number of matters including civil marriage, where there is also 68% support among the general public, citing this would take place outside the framework of the Chief Rabbinate. This too is a major campaign issue for the centrist left-wing parties.

Today, in line with the law, marriages must be under the exclusive control of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. In recent years there have been a growing number of weddings conducted inside Israel in the framework of halacha, but outside of the Chief Rabbinate. In addition, there is a growing number of weddings conducted by the reform and conservative movements, once again outside the framework of the Chief Rabbinate.

The matter of the recruitment of Bnei Torah is also mentioned in the poll, with 57% of the public supporting legislation that would compel Bnei Torah be drafted into the IDF as opposed to 30% remaining opposed.

The issue of legalizing cannabis is also on the poll’s agenda, showing 55% support for law stating users of marijuana would not be legally prosecuted, resulting in de facto legalization of the drug Israel. This issue is the flagship of the election campaign of Moshe Feiglin and his Zehut party. In fact, Feiglin has stated he will not be part of any coalition government that does not agree to legalize marijuana. The Meretz party also backs this and Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated he would weigh such a measure.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)