Ashdod Mayor Yehiel Lasry has made it clear to turned to opposition members of the city council that he would not allow a civil war over laws on observance of the Jewish Sabbath to tear the city apart.
Speaking at the first council meeting since the outbreak of demonstrations on the matter, during which demonstators called for his resignation, Doctor Lasry said, "For all the anger and wrath, you will not have a civil war here." Lasry explained that he intends to align himself with the language of the law, which allows for entertainment places to open on the Sabbath, but restricts stores.