Israeli Party Candidate Posts on Instagram During Shabbat

Netaly Sham Tov, who is ranked third on the "Am Israel" party list led by Ofer Winter, posted family vacation photos and videos to her Instagram account during Shabbat. The "Am Israel" party aims to gain support from the religious and traditional public, frequently using messages with Jewish and faith-based themes. Sham Tov herself does not present as religiously observant.

The timing of her posts is notable because the party is actively trying to appeal to voters for whom observing Shabbat is a central value. While Sham Tov's personal observance is not the focus, her high position on the list and the party's target audience make the timing potentially problematic for the party's image.

This incident highlights a norm among politicians seeking support from the religious and Haredi communities. For example, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is not publicly observant of Shabbat, has generally avoided posting on social media during Shabbat. When posts have appeared on his accounts during Shabbat in the past, they have drawn criticism and even apologies from the Likud party.

The "Am Israel" party's use of Jewish and faith-based messaging in its outreach makes this particular publication more significant. A post by a candidate in the third position on the list during Shabbat could conflict with the image the party is trying to project to a key demographic. The news outlet reached out to the "Am Israel" party for comment, and their response will be published if received.