Israelis Favor Public Transport on Shabbat, Poll Shows
Recent violent clashes over bus blockades in Safed and Jerusalem have reignited the contentious issue of public transportation on Shabbat, which will likely be addressed by the next Israeli government. The core question facing lawmakers is whether the incoming government will utilize existing legal authority to operate essential services, decentralize power to local municipalities, or tighten restrictions at the behest of its ultra-Orthodox coalition partners. A special poll conducted by the "Free Israel" organization reveals that a significant majority of non-ultra-Orthodox Jewish voters support public transport on Shabbat. The survey, conducted in July 2026 with 926 respondents, found that 74% favor some form of public transport on Shabbat. Specifically, 26% support full weekday service, while 48% advocate for limited service to hospitals, city centers, entertainment hubs, and intercity routes. Only 15% wish to maintain the current status quo, and 8% oppose any public transport on Shabbat.
The poll indicates broad support across secular and traditional demographics, with 94% of secular Israelis, 69% of non-religious traditional Israelis, and 55% of those identifying as "somewhat religious" favoring increased Shabbat transport. Conversely, 78% of the religious public oppose such measures, with 51% against any form of Shabbat transport. Politically, 96% of opposition supporters favor public transport on Shabbat, while only 41% of coalition supporters agree, with 35% of Likud voters supporting limited service.
Major parties have stated their positions. The Likud party advocates maintaining the status quo, citing economic considerations and noting that private companies can operate non-subsidized routes. The Religious Zionism party aligns with the majority of its supporters who oppose changes, emphasizing Shabbat's role in Israel's Jewish identity. Parties like Yisrael Beiteinu, Yesh Atid (under Yair Lapid), and Blue and White (under Benny Gantz) generally support expanded public transport, with varying proposals for local authority control and essential service provision. Other parties, such as the Democratic Party (under Yair Golan) and Yachad (under Naftali Bennett), also express support for various forms of Shabbat transport, often emphasizing balance and local autonomy. The Joint List supports comprehensive public transport on Shabbat as a basic, equitable service. Parties like Otzma Yehudit and Ra'am did not respond to inquiries, and Am Israel's platform is forthcoming.
Recent violent disruptions by ultra-Orthodox protesters blocking buses for essential services like military transport and hospital access have highlighted the issue. Uri Keidar, CEO of "Free Israel," stated that hundreds of bus lines could operate without new legislation and that violence should not dictate public policy. Transportation experts note that the lack of Shabbat service is a major barrier for Israelis choosing private vehicles, contributing to weekday traffic congestion. Sivan Shmuelovitz, CEO of "15 Minutes," emphasized that Shabbat transport is a basic need and freedom of movement for hundreds of thousands of Israelis.
Existing Israeli law already grants the Ministry of Transport the authority to approve hundreds of Shabbat bus routes for essential medical services without new legislation, though most remain inactive. In the absence of state-provided solutions, municipal initiatives like "Na'im BaShabath" are funded by local authorities, creating disparities between affluent and peripheral areas. "The data shows that the majority of the Israeli public does not oppose public transport on Shabbat," Shmuelovitz concluded, "Politicians are preventing this possibility. The next government must address this issue and establish clear policy."
