Sunday may be on the way to turning into a day of rest in Israel. According to a proposal that passed its first Knesset reading yesterday by a 16-13 vote, Monday through Thursday would become nine-hour work days, and Friday would be a short day. The proposal was initiated by MK Nachum Langental, with the goal of reducing tensions between the secular and religious as it would shift the demand for leisure activities to Sunday from Saturday. Supported by the religious parties, it is opposed by the government.