Reported demands by Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox faction United Torah Judaism in negotiations with Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu have prompted fears of an expansion of religious rule.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
According to media reports Monday, UTJ has demanded ending electricity generation on Shabbat, which according to estimates, could cost as the Israeli economy as much as $9 billion. The Likud party has denied.
Shortly after publication, officials within Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party noted that the measures were "a list of demands from UTJ, and not a deal that Likud has agreed to." Both parties denied reaching a final agreement on the matter.
UTJ's another demand includes a representative from the Chief Rabbinate in any panel weighing permits for work on Shabbat. Currently under the law, employers are required to request permits from the Labor Ministry to employ Jewish workers on Shabbat.
The ultra-Orthodox faction also reportedly asked for more gender-segregated beaches and additional public transportation discounts in predominantly ultra-Orthodox cities. Other demands included affirmative action for the ultra-Orthodox when applying for jobs in government companies and more religious studies in secular schools.
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
