The cabinet is set to discuss Sunday whether businesses can open on Shabbat and holidays, with the focus being on whether small grocery stores and kiosks in Tel Aviv can open on Friday nights and Saturdays.

The High Court of Justice is due to rule on that particular issue in two weeks’ time, but the cabinet decision will also have implications for most other cities, especially Jerusalem.

The High Court has asked the government to determine its policy on the matter by January 23, ahead of a petition it is hearing from small business owners in Tel Aviv.
It is possible that if the cabinet presents the court with its complete opposition to opening such businesses on Shabbat, the court will order the government to be more lenient on the issue. …

In light of all these problems, it is possible that the cabinet will not reach any practical decision today, and by doing so leave it for the High Court to decide, said coalition sources.