"El Al's Sabbath Flights Contingent on State Orders, Responds Firm Amid High Court Petition"

El Al, Israel's national airline, has clarified its position on operating flights during the Sabbath, asserting that it will do so solely if issued a binding order from the state. The petition, initiated by attorney Meir Heller, seeks to require the airline to operate its fleet on Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest.

El Al emphasized that its historical practice has consistently adhered to not conducting flights on Shabbat and Israeli holidays, even during periods when it was under state ownership or control. However, the company pointed out instances when it deviated from this policy. Recently, El Al undertook Shabbat flights at its own expense, with the assistance of donors, to transport security personnel and essential resources in support of national defense efforts. These deviations, the company argued, were only carried out under exceptional circumstances, as determined by state authorities possessing the requisite knowledge, qualifications, and legal authority to issue binding instructions.

The airline reaffirmed its commitment to obeying any lawful instructions given by the state, stressing its law-abiding nature. El Al's statement comes after it refused to publicize these special flights by excluding them from its reservation system, which left potential passengers uninformed and unable to book seats via standard flight ticket sales websites.

In response to a letter sent by the Minister of Transportation, Miri Regev, attorney Dr. David Tadmor, representing El Al, contended that the letter did not constitute an exercise of authority according to the law.

The Ministry of Transportation and Defense, also respondents in the ongoing case, have been granted an extension to provide their responses to the petition. Attorney Heller, the petitioner, has indicated his intention to contest this extension.

The case surrounding El Al's Sabbath flights has ignited a heated debate, highlighting the intersection of religious observance, state regulations, and the airline's operational policies. The High Court's eventual decision on this matter is eagerly anticipated.