Coalition Chairman (Likud) David Bitan told Mordechai Lavi of Kol Chai Radio on Sunday morning 8 Kislev that the matter of Israel Railways Chilul Shabbos does not have to result in resignations and the collapse of the coalition.

Bitan explained �I cannot say there will not be Chilul Shabbos, but it is limited to critical work and we are not just scheduling work for Shabbos due to convenience�. He insists Litzman should not resign from the cabinet and the chareidim, if they are willing to work with the coalition, do not have to give ultimatums.

Bitan explains �It is not just the trains, but the grocery stores in Tel Aviv too�. Bitan feels there is room to work together and Shabbos will be maintained with the exception of absolutely necessary cases which compel Chilul Shabbos.

Bitan feels that a law can be legislated to permit Litzman to serve as a deputy health minister with ministerial authority, as was the case in the past. However, the High Court of Justice ruled this was not acceptable, leading to Litzman agreeing to become a cabinet minister in this specific case.

Bitan feels a law can be legislated to circumvent the High Court and permit Litzman to return to his slot as a deputy minister, and therefore; he does not have to feel the responsibility for Chilul Shabbos that he does as a member of the cabinet.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)