During his tenure as Minister of the Interior in 2014, the chairman of Tikva Hadasha today prevented the opening of small supermarkets in Tel Aviv. • Last weekend, he stated in a meeting with residents that he opposes this:
While serving as interior minister in 2014, Gideon disregarded sections of the Tel Aviv Municipality's bylaw, preventing the supermarkets from opening in the city during the Sabbath.
But these days, during election rallies, he presents the opposite position and provides promises in the field of religion and state that it is difficult to see how they will reconcile with the positions of the ultra-Orthodox.
Gideon Saar on tour in Eilat // Photo: Ran Shauli
Last weekend, Saar held a zoom meeting with residents from Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva and the surrounding area, and was asked if he supports its religion and the closure of supermarkets on Saturday.
Saar replied that "the answer is short and clear - no. I do not believe in religious coercion. I believe that the local authorities that legislate by-laws determine what the right balance is, and it is not the same in Tel Aviv and Bnei Brak. Elad is not like Ramat Gan."
Saar added that "local authorities should be given a degree of autonomy according to the community nature, to make decisions regarding opening businesses on Shabbat. This is a clear part of our platform and our commitment. We oppose religious coercion and allow a free life for all citizens of Israel according to their faith and lifestyle."
The mayor of Ramat Gan, Carmel Shama HaCohen, who was present at the meeting, reinforced Saar's words.
"I would not stand here for even a moment if I did not know that Gideon Saar supports 'Live and Let Live,'" he said.
"Whoever wants goes to a synagogue on Saturday and whoever wants goes to the national park or safari. If I thought there was a hint of a threat to impose something else on our city - I would not be standing here."
On the ultra-Orthodox side, they responded to things.
Deputy Minister Uri Maklev of Torah Judaism told Israel Today: "New Hope is trying to paint itself at the center of the discourse, as if they are going to form the government. Unfortunately, they are recycling old arguments about 'supermarkets - yes or no' and trying to improve their positions, so "It does not appear that anyone will enter into coalition negotiations with them. In any case, from all the political scenarios, one prediction is clear: Saar will not be the prime minister. It is either Bibi or Lapid."