Ministry of Transport: Goldknopf Exceeded Authority During Ultra-Orthodox Draft Protests
The Ministry of Transport clarified that the permit granted to the Minister of Construction to operate a flashing light applies only while performing official duties. The clarification follows Goldknopf leading an ultra-Orthodox protest convoy against the draft on Highway 1 using emergency lights.
Following an inquiry by MK Naor Shiri (Yesh Atid), the Ministry of Transport has clarified that the permit to operate a blue flashing light granted to Yitzhak Goldknopf while he served as Minister of Construction and Housing is intended for use solely while performing official duties.
The clarification comes after Goldknopf led an ultra-Orthodox protest convoy against the draft on Highway 1 while using both blue and red flashing lights. According to the Ministry of Transport's response, the permit was issued to Goldknopf on January 24, 2023, by virtue of his position as Minister of Construction and Housing.
Although the document states it is valid until December 29, 2026, the procedure stipulates that use is permitted "solely during the performance of the duty, and for the purpose of performing the duty." Attorney Yahalomi further emphasized that anyone who no longer holds the position for which the permit was granted is not permitted to make any use of it, even if its official validity has not yet expired.
The Ministry of Transport further stated that, according to the procedure, the permit holder is obligated to report to the committee upon the conclusion of their position. In addition, the Ministry of Transport clarified that the committee is authorized to approve the use of a blue light only, while a red light is permitted by law for use only on Magen David Adom and IDF ambulances and on fire trucks.
