Transportation Ministry

“It will not happen under any circumstances, even if a budget is not passed,” Regev’s office said, insisting she will block any additional burden on riders without parallel service improvements.

Transportation Ministry says it is examining the source of the malfunction, as clips from Ashdod and Ramat Gan show siren-like sounds and Arabic music.

A spokesperson for Israir confirmed that the company submitted a request to the Shin Bet several weeks ago to renew the Tel Aviv–Morocco route.

The investigation comes amid disputes over the re-introduction of the ride-sharing app Uber to Israel, which threatens to disrupt the local taxi services.

"This is an illegitimate decision that will prevent a huge public from reaching the rally and praying," Shas leader Arye Deri said.

Road closures began at noon, and Israel Police and Netvei Israel have called on the public to avoid driving to the entrance area to Jerusalem throughout the day.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev bypassed ministry experts and regulators in a move critics say is politically driven and undermines Israel’s licensed taxi system.

The construction comes as a result of efforts to build a new "Blue Line" of the Light Rail, which will include a two-kilometer-long tunnel that begins at the intersection of Jaffa Street and Strauss.