Haredi Parties Condemn Yair Golan's Plan to Introduce Public Transport on Shabbat

Haredi political leaders reacted angrily to Yair Golan, head of the Democratic Party, after he unveiled his national plan which includes introducing public transportation on Shabbat. Leaders from Shas and United Torah Judaism warned that Golan joining the next government would damage Israel's Jewish identity. Shas stated, "The left-wing government's horror will destroy the Jewish character of the state and turn the sacred day of rest into a regular workday." They emphasized that only a strong Shas can prevent Golan and Gilad Kariv from "destroying Shabbat for Israeli citizens and erasing the Jewish character of the state."

Golan released a video outlining his positions on key issues such as military conscription, education, public transport, policing, the judiciary, and security. He strongly supports equal military conscription and ending funding for draft evasion, a stance he says is backed by 85% of Israelis. He plans to redirect funds from draft evaders to improve education, including early childhood and democratic education.

Regarding Shabbat, Golan advocates for public transportation to allow those wishing to visit family or go to the beach on Shabbat to do so, while respecting those who choose not to travel. He summarized his approach as "live and let live." On the judiciary, Golan called for an independent legal system and a Basic Law guaranteeing equality for all Israeli citizens. He also intends to repeal what he terms "all laws of governmental overthrow."