Israeli health minister resigns over Sabbath work

Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman resigned from his post in protest of a government deal to do train maintenance work on Saturdays.

“I am disappointed with myself for failing to prevent Sabbath desecration,” Litzman of the Ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party was quoted as saying by Channel Seven.

“I will return to the government if the Sabbath desecration ceases,” he said.

The move came after Social Affairs Minister Haim Katz said he had authorized maintenance work on rail lines to continue on Saturday.

Under their religious beliefs, Jews are forbidden from doing works on Saturday.

The resignation could spell trouble for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if other Ultra-Orthodox Jewish politicians follow Litzman's lead.