Israeli minister resigns over Sabbath rail works

An Israeli government minister has resigned in a dispute over railway maintenance on the Sabbath.

The Health Minister, Yaakov Litzman, is a member of the ultra-orthodox United Torah Judaism party that helps keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition in power.

Ultra-orthodox Jews object to work being carried out on the Sabbath - the Jewish day of rest. However, the coalition does not appear to be in jeopardy for now.

A spokesman for Mr Litzman's party told AFP it had no plans to leave the coalition "at this stage".

Mr Netanyahu, whose government has only a slim parliamentary majority, said all members of the coalition were in favour of its continued existence.

"The Sabbath, as well as the needs of all Israeli citizens, including, of course, the need for safe and consistent transportation are important to us. I'm sure that we will find an educated solution to this," he said.

In his resignation letter, Mr Litzman said: "I cannot bear ministerial responsibility for the severe harm to one of the eternal values of the Jewish people, which is the Sabbath."

UCJ, UNILORIN.