Chairman Eitan Cabel of the Knesset Economics Committee has instructed water companies to suspend the installation of smart water meters. The order followed committee discussion of the installation of smart meters for water, gas and electricity due to fears of radiation from the wireless devices.
Member of Knesset Yakov Asher (United Torah Judaism) added another point of opposition: every use of water would generate electrical activity that qualifies as a violation of Sabbath restrictions. He pointed out that there are smart meters that don't violate the Sabbath, in addition to acceptable mechanical meters. MK Asher said consumers should have the option of a Sabbath-compliant meter and asked to suspend the installation of the smart meters until the matter is worked out.