The director-general of the Justice Ministry signaled on Thursday 21 Menachem Av that there is no agreement among the other government director-generals serving on the committee addressing stores opening in Tel Aviv on Shabbos. The committee was formed to present its recommendations to the government regarding the operating of stores in Tel Aviv on Shabbos in line with the wishes of Tel Aviv City Hall and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai.

Justice Ministry Director-General Emi Palmor announced on Thursday the committee members cannot reach agreement.

When asked if the committee failed, Palmor stated she would like to think this is not the case, and while the committee can make a number of recommendations, ultimately, it is the cabinet that has to reach a decision.

As a result of cabinet ministers passing the Tel Aviv Shabbos hot potato from one agency to another, the committee was assigned to study the case and make recommendations. It appears that the various scenarios that are likely to be presented to cabinet ministers all call for opening certain stores and businesses on Shabbos R”L, and the committee is not expected to recommend maintaining the Shabbos status quo in that city.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)