Former prime minister Naftali Bennett voiced support for allowing municipalities to decide on public transportation during Shabbat and for establishing civil marriage in Israel. Speaking to Army Radio, he said cities should have the freedom to choose whether to operate transport services on the day of rest and argued that Israelis should not have to travel abroad to marry outside the authority of the rabbinate. He described his position as guided by 'common sense and fairness.'

The remarks sparked sharp criticism from the ultra Orthodox Shas and United Torah Judaism parties, which accused Bennett of undermining the country's Jewish character. Shas warned that compromising on Shabbat and traditional marriage for political reasons would endanger other national principles, while United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf dismissed Bennett's credibility and past pledges.

Bennett's comments were welcomed by leaders in the opposition bloc seeking to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Democrats party chairman Yair Golan praised Bennett's shift, and other opposition figures have recently promoted proposals to introduce civil marriage, expand local authority over religious services, and permit public transportation in secular majority areas. Reports indicate Bennett is in talks with Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot about forming a new political alliance called 'New Israel.'