Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the cabinet at its weekly meeting Sunday morning that a court decision to allow restaurants and stores to sell leavened products during the Passover holidays will further divide Israeli society.

In an unusual decision, a Jerusalem Municipal Affairs Court judge ruled Thursday that the sale of leavened products inside places of business on Passover does not constitute a violation of the Festival of Matzot Law (Prohibition of Leaven Law), also known as the Chametz Law 5746-1986.

Attorney General Menachem Mazuz is considering whether to file an appeal in the case. Jewish law forbids the consumption or use of leavened products by Jews for Jews during the Passover holiday; nor are Jews allowed by Jewish law to derive any benefit thereof.