Five Knesset members from across the political spectrum introduced a bill today aimed at formalizing a monetary trading ban throughout the country on the Sabbath. Under the bill, government offices and factories would remain closed on the day of rest. However, the door remains open for those who operate retail businesses and places of entertainment such as movie theatres, restaurants, and coffee shops to determine on their own whether or not they will close for Shabbat. Currently municipal bylaws govern whether such establishments can or cannot remain open. In addition the bill would allow public transportation not subsidized by the government to operate on Shabbat.
National Religious Party (NRP) MK Yigal Bibi voiced strong opposition to the proposed legislation and attacked fellow NRP member Nachum Langental for sponsoring the bill. Bibi said that in the end the bill would not reduce the desecration of Shabbat by Israelis but increase it. In his opinion, the existing Shabbat laws should be enforced, and the introduction of new laws is not necessary.
Several members of the Meretz and Shinui parties also said that they would oppose the bill but for the opposite reason. They claim that the proposed legislation would put a damper on the Shabbat activities of the non-religious Israeli public. The Shas Party, backed by their spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, expressed support for the bill.
National Religious Party (NRP) MK Yigal Bibi voiced strong opposition to the proposed legislation and attacked fellow NRP member Nachum Langental for sponsoring the bill. Bibi said that in the end the bill would not reduce the desecration of Shabbat by Israelis but increase it. In his opinion, the existing Shabbat laws should be enforced, and the introduction of new laws is not necessary.
Several members of the Meretz and Shinui parties also said that they would oppose the bill but for the opposite reason. They claim that the proposed legislation would put a damper on the Shabbat activities of the non-religious Israeli public. The Shas Party, backed by their spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, expressed support for the bill.