Shas leader Arye Deri has demanded National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's intervention after Israel Railways announced the closure of Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon Station during Thursday's mass protests, with Deri stating that the closure would prevent protesters from being able to reach the city.
Hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews are expected to attend the mass prayer protests against mandatory conscription into the IDF.
"Such a decision will cause tens of thousands to be stranded across the country and block intersections," Deri said. "This is an illegitimate decision that will prevent a huge public from reaching the rally and praying. Ben-Gvir has committed to taking immediate action to find a solution."
Israel Railways said earlier on Tuesday the station's closure was due to its "central location within the rally and to ensure public safety. All train lines and stations, except for Yitzhak Navon, will operate as usual. "We apologize for the inconvenience," the announcement read.
Deri stated that he contacted Israel Railways' management on Thursday morning for clarification on the decision to close the station, and was informed that the closure was a directive from the police. Later, Deri reached out to Ben-Gvir, requesting his immediate intervention.
Mass disruptions risk overcrowding at Jerusalem train station
Meanwhile, MK Yisrael Eichler contacted both Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Ben-Gvir, stating: "Train services should be allowed to operate as scheduled for the public’s safety, and not risk overcrowding at stations and on trains due to the disruption of services."
He added, "We should remember that during mass protests near the Knesset, the trains operated as usual and did not prevent any protester from arriving or leaving whenever they wished."
MK Meir Porush is also in ongoing discussions with members of the organizing committee for the rally, as well as with senior officials in the Jerusalem police and the Minister of National Security, to find a solution. Several alternative options are being explored to potentially reverse the decision to close the train station.