Free bus takes passengers from Ramat Gan to Tel Aviv, so that even those who don't own cars can go to the beach or otherwise enjoy the coastal city on Shabbat

Israel is one of the top 20 most religiously restrictive countries in world, with sixth-highest level of 'interreligious tension and violence' -- a worse score than Syria, says Pew

Ashkenazi religious leader says work should stop 10 minutes before lighting candles, 10 minutes after the end of the Sabbath because competition finals require Saturday rehearsals

Ultra-Orthodox leaders call for mass prayer, allege Sabbath-observant Israelis will be forced to work Saturday preparing song contest final

Senior lawmakers ask why thousands of permits were suddenly issued for preparations to be made for song contest final event while the Saturday sun is still in the sky

Yisrael Beytenu says its leader and PM discussed 'preservation of the status quo on issues of religion and state'; but party's demands still at odds with ultra-Orthodox

Just before MKs are sworn in to 21st Knesset, Yisrael Beytenu chair says he's ready to remain in opposition if 'key issues' not resolved

Proposed legislation on army conscription has emerged as biggest obstacle to Netanyahu's coalition-building, with Avigdor Liberman insisting on current version of bill