Israeli Finance and Transport Ministries Push to Pass Metropolitan Transport Law Despite Ultra-Orthodox Opposition

The Israeli Finance Ministry and Transport Ministry are currently working to secure a parliamentary majority to pass the Metropolitan Transport Authorities Law, aiming to convene the Knesset plenum next week for second and third readings. This law, regarded as a key reform in the current government’s transportation agenda, was halted last Friday just hours before the Knesset dissolved due to pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties. The ultra-Orthodox factions, led by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri and Degel HaTorah MK Yaakov Asher, succeeded in removing the vote from the agenda, also blocking a related provision to repeal the parking law that had driven up parking prices nationwide.

The ultra-Orthodox parties oppose the law partly because it is promoted by the Finance Ministry’s Budget Department, which previously opposed the Basic Law on Torah Study citing budget concerns. They also fear that transferring broad public transportation powers to regional and metropolitan bodies could eventually lead to expanded public transit operations on Shabbat, threatening the status quo. The Transport Ministry counters that the law explicitly prohibits public transportation on Shabbat and does not alter the existing status quo.

In recent weeks, officials have met with ultra-Orthodox MKs to address their concerns, but these efforts have not succeeded. The law aims to shift some public transportation management from the central government to regional authorities responsible for planning routes, fares, and coordination, which officials believe will better tailor services to residents’ needs and help alleviate road congestion. With growing support from opposition factions, the Finance and Transport Ministries are considering advancing the law without ultra-Orthodox backing. They acknowledge the main challenge is not securing a majority vote but obtaining approval to convene the plenum during the election recess. Officials warn that failure to advance the law soon may prevent its completion before the next government forms.