Public transport on Shabbat: Party positions and voter poll
The issue of public transport on Shabbat has returned to the forefront of the political agenda. Following recent bus blockades in Safed and Jerusalem, parties have clarified their stances, while a new poll indicates that a vast majority of secular and traditional voters support the implementation of weekend transit services.
The escalation of violence in recent Sabbaths surrounding bus blockades in Safed and Jerusalem has brought back to the forefront one of the most explosive issues in religion-state relations, which will land on the table of the government to be appointed in the upcoming elections: public transport on Shabbat. The big question is whether the next government will exercise the authority already existing in law to operate public transport for essential services, will decentralize powers to local authorities, or will prefer to tighten restrictions according to the demand of the Haredi partners.
A special poll by the "Israel Hofshit" (Free Israel) organization reveals exactly what the voters of the non-Haredi Jewish parties want on this issue. At the request of Ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth," the parties running in the elections submitted their positions regarding public transport on Shabbat.
Poll Results
According to a comprehensive poll conducted by the "Ha-Madad" (The Index) project in July 2026, in which 926 respondents from the Jewish population (excluding the Haredi society) participated, 74% of respondents support the operation of public transport on Shabbat in one form or another. Of these, 26% favor full operation, while 48% support a limited model including access to hospitals, city centers, and intercity lines.
The data indicate overwhelming support that crosses religious lines: 94% of secular, 69% of traditional non-religious, and 55% of traditionalists who define themselves as "a little religious" support the operation of public transport on Shabbat. On the political level, 96% of opposition supporters back the move, while among coalition supporters, the rate stands at 41%.
Party Positions
The check shows a significant gap between the position of the ruling "Likud" faction and the desire of a significant portion of its voters. Likud stated its commitment to the status quo, noting that government subsidies for public transport stand at about 17 billion shekels per year, and that expansion requires economic examination.
In the "Ha-Tzionut Ha-Datit" (Religious Zionism) party, full alignment was recorded with the position of 83% of its supporters who oppose change. The "Beyachad" party proposes a model that balances the national character of the Sabbath with local needs, including lines to hospitals and Ben Gurion Airport.
"The Democrats" and "Yisrael Beiteinu" support operating full public transport on Shabbat. The Democrats emphasize this as the realization of the basic right to freedom of movement. Yisrael Beiteinu proposes transferring powers to local authorities according to the principle of "live and let live."
The "Yashar!" party and "Blue and White" also advocate for expanding the autonomy of local authorities to determine routes and frequency, particularly in the context of ensuring access to hospitals and IDF bases.
Implementation Challenges
Transport experts emphasize that the lack of a continuous travel network on Shabbat is one of the main barriers preventing Israelis from giving up private cars. Sivan Shmuelovitz, CEO of the "15 Minutes" organization, explained: "Public transport on Shabbat is a basic need and a freedom of movement. Those who prevent this possibility are the politicians."
