Bill to Amend Local Authorities Laws (Abolition of the Minister of Interior's Authority Regarding Bylaws on the Opening and Closing of Businesses on Days of Rest), 5783-2022

This bill seeks to abolish the authority of the Minister of Interior to approve municipal bylaws concerning the opening and closing of businesses on days of rest. Currently, under existing law, the Minister of Interior must provide consent for municipal bylaws on this matter, unless the businesses provide essential needs at the Minister's discretion. The bill seeks to abolish this authority of the Minister, with the aim of restoring the previous situation and preventing religious coercion of all Israeli citizens. The proposal is intended to maintain Israeli society as a unifying sector rather than a divisive one, and to restore the Sabbath to its status as a day of rest for all of Israel, rather than for a specific faction. The proposed amendment will apply to the Municipalities Ordinance and the Local Councils Ordinance. It will abolish the need for the Minister of Interior's consent for the approval of municipal bylaws regarding the opening and closing of businesses on days of rest.

Source: הצעת חוק לדיון מוקדם