Jerusalem: Israel’s Supreme Court has called on the government to explain why football games are allowed on the traditional Jewish day of rest, court documents seen yesterday showed. The intervention reopens the thorny issue of matches played on the Sabbath, which lasts from sunset Friday until the same time Saturday. Observant Jews will not drive cars or operate electrical appliances during that time and parts of the country come to a standstill, though professional football has long been allowed. The court Thursday asked the Attorney General to explain within 90 days why professional football is exempted from the country’s “hours of work and rest” law, according to the text. “Movement for a Jewish State” religious lobby group filed the suit.