The Bayit Yehudi party has come under criticism as the chareidim are precipitating coalition stress over repeated Israel Railways Chilul Shabbos. Chareidi representatives have demanded a meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Yahadut Hatorah has demanded the removal of Yisrael Katz from his post as Transportation Minister. Bayit Yehudi has remained silent, with some questioning why the dati leumi party does not speak out against the state agency and the repeated chilul Shabbos.

Speaking to Kol Chai radio, Bennett stressed that Shabbos is no less important to him than the chareidim, explaining Bayit Yehudi is a full partner with the chareidim in the coalition. “We are hand-to-hand with the chareidim on this matter” Bennett stated.

Bennett echoed the same position in an interview with Kol Berama Radio, deciding to highlight his unique working relationship with Health Minister Yaakov Litzman.

Just last week Bennett granted an interview with Mishpacha Magazine in which he reaffirms his bond with the chareidi parties, citing he would never enter into a coalition at the expense of the chareidi parties again as was the case in the 19th Knesset when he partner with Yesh Atid and the chareidim remained in opposition.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)