Democrats Leader Yair Golan Proposes Public Transport on Shabbat and Judicial Reform Reversal

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, unveiled what he called the party's "extreme plan" in a statement on Thursday, responding to accusations of radicalism with irony. He emphasized his support for equal military conscription and cutting funds to draft evasion, stating that 85% of the public backs this stance. Golan proposed reallocating those funds to early childhood and democratic education.

He also advocated for operating public transportation on Shabbat, arguing for individual freedom to visit family or go to the beach on the day of rest, while respecting those who choose not to travel. On law enforcement and judiciary issues, Golan called for restoring the police's professional role serving the public rather than political ministers and demanded an independent judiciary with a Basic Law ensuring equality for all Israeli citizens. He pledged to repeal all judicial reform laws.

Additional points in his plan included investing in northern Israel and the Gaza envelope, dismantling illegal outposts, and combating terrorism, including Jewish terrorism. On the diplomatic front, Golan urged pursuing regional arrangements instead of cycles of conflict. He framed the upcoming elections as a choice between extremism and a return to Zionist values and Israel’s Declaration of Independence.

The Shas party sharply criticized Golan’s call for public transport on Shabbat, warning it would destroy Israel’s Jewish identity and turn the sacred day of rest into a regular workday. Meanwhile, Democratic Party candidates were reportedly instructed to moderate their tone and avoid independent social media posts following internal criticism of extreme remarks by some members, which were seen as alienating right-leaning voters. The Democrats confirmed these campaign guidelines and reiterated their commitment to fighting for a Jewish and democratic state, reversing judicial reforms, refocusing the military on border defense, and ensuring public funds support soldiers rather than draft evaders.