Moshe Feiglin, the leader of the Zehut party, has publicly called for the cessation of operations at Israel’s primary international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport, and the state-run public broadcaster during the Shabbat period, which spans from Friday evening to Saturday night. Feiglin’s proposal is rooted in his vision for the Israeli state to maintain a 'distinctly Jewish character' in its public institutions.

Despite the controversial nature of the proposal, Feiglin clarified his position by stating that he does not support the use of government coercion to enforce religious observance. He frames his stance as a matter of national identity rather than a mandate for individual behavior. The proposal has sparked debate regarding the balance between Israel’s secular infrastructure and its religious heritage. While Feiglin advocates for these closures, he maintains that his ideology is distinct from traditional religious mandates that seek to force citizens to adhere to specific religious laws. The discussion highlights ongoing tensions in Israeli society over how the state should manifest its Jewish identity in public life while simultaneously functioning as a modern, democratic nation-state with a diverse population.