Report details far-reaching Blue and White, Beytenu deal on religion and state

Channel 12 reports on what it says is a draft agreement between Blue and White and Yisrael Beytenu on religion and state issues. If it is accurate, the report would indicate a willingness on the part of Benny Gantz’s party to take a relatively liberal line versus the Orthodox religious establishment.

Reportedly, in coalition talks, representatives of the two parties agreed on the full implementation of a plan that would see the establishment of an egalitarian prayer area at the Western Wall as well as a sharing of the administration of the site with non-Orthodox streams.

The agreement reportedly also allows for civil marriage, as well as the legislation of a controversial bill regulating draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox. The ultra-Orthodox parties’ opposition to that legislation was among the main catalysts for the elections in April.

The negotiating teams also agreed to institute public transportation on Shabbat in cities that choose to do so, and repeal a law that limits local authorities’ power to legislate bylaws allowing businesses to remain open on the Jewish day of rest.

Yesterday, the negotiating teams of both parties reported significant progress in talks.