Attempts to pass local laws which would bypass the upcoming Knesset Supermarket Law and permit commerce on Shabbat have been blocked in Bat Yam.
During a city council meeting Wednesday, the Meretz faction attempted to bring a proposal to change by-laws on opening businesses on Shabbat. However deputy mayor Rafael Baranes removed the proposal from the agenda, stating that "Bat Yam is not Tel Aviv or Givatayim. Here we will not discuss such stupid proposals."