Local Leaders Demand Halt to Shas-Backed Kashrut Law Over Financial Burden

Heads of local and regional authorities in Israel have sent a letter to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Public Projects Committee Chair MK Ohad Tal, urging an immediate stop to the amendment to the Kashrut Law promoted by the Shas party. The law, which is set for a committee vote next Sunday after passing its first reading, would reverse a previous reform by former Minister Matan Kahana that opened the kosher supervision market to competition.

The controversial provision mandates that thousands of kosher supervisors, previously employed directly by business owners, must now be hired by local kosher authorities, mainly religious councils. While the Ministry of Religious Services will determine the number of positions, the financial burden will fall on local government budgets without dedicated funding or regard for existing collective agreements.

Local leaders warn this will impose tens of millions of shekels in additional costs on municipalities already facing deep deficits, harming public services. They also criticize the law’s rigid management approach and rushed advancement, especially so close to national elections, suggesting possible ulterior motives.

The letter concludes with a firm demand to halt the legislation until all issues regarding employment flexibility and funding sources for kosher supervisors are resolved, emphasizing that local authorities should not bear the financial responsibility.