Netanyahu’s transport minister, Yisrael Katz, canceled a key train route on the Tel Aviv - Haifa line Sunday because of the delayed repairs. The resulting traffic jams offered a physical illustration of the outsized power the leadership of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish minority wields in Israeli politics. That political drama dovetailed with ultra-Orthodox politicians’ complaints about Sabbath train repairs. But ultra-Orthodox news sites doggedly covered news of the Sabbath train work recently, and ultra-Orthodox constituents egged on their politicians on social media to do something to prevent it. But Israel Railways said more midweek train services may be disrupted if Netanyahu continues to delay Sabbath repairs.

Source: Washington Post September 04, 2016 14:51 UTC