News agencies report no agreement was reached in the Monday meeting between Eida Chareidis Gavaad HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss Shlita and Public Security Minister Aharonovitch. Aharonovitch asked the Rav to halt the weekly shabbos protests against the operating of the Karta lot, explaining the difficulties, the strain on the police, especially with the upcoming yomim tovim.

Aharonovitch told reporters that the Eida refuses to halt the protests, but there was agreement to establish a committee which will work towards a mutually acceptable agreement. Eida officials are reported to have said there cannot be and will not be any compromise on the shabbos issue. 

Israel Radio reported on Tuesday morning that the meeting was conducted in Yiddish, and that the atmosphere surrounding the meeting was somewhat strained. The two officials are expected to meet again at some future date.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)