Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli is looking into the possibility of operating the Tel Aviv light rail on Shabbat, her office announced Wednesday.
The light rail is in the final stages of construction.
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The matter ignited the ire of right-wing organizations and religious political parties that oppose such a move due to religious reasons. In fact, public transportation on Shabbat has been a long-standing issue in Israel.
According to Michaeli, who also heads the center-left Labor party, unless the light rail operates on Shabbat, it will affect those who do not own a car and negate the significant investment put into its construction.
"The citizens of Israel deserve that the weekend blockade to end," she said. "I have always believed that the freedom of movement of Israeli citizens should not be restricted, not by day, not by hour, not by any means of transportation, private vehicle or public bus."
In response, Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, stated: "Instead of worrying about the problem of traffic jams and accidents, Michaeli is looking for easy headlines, once by engaging in temper tantrums on the train, and now by desecrating the Shabbat and harming the Jewish character of the country. Maybe it's better that she sticks to what she's good at, Tiktok."
The ultra-Orthodox Shas party also rejected the announcement, claiming Michaeli is attempting to "cover up the disgraceful failure of her tenure in all areas."
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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