Netanyahu, ultra-Orthodox seek new Basic Law to shield Torah study and draft issues

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties are advancing a revised Basic Law on Torah study that would elevate it to a supreme value in Israel and define long-term Torah learners as people who make a “significant contribution” to the state and the Jewish people. The move is meant to give Torah study special constitutional status, while limiting judicial intervention in disputes over military conscription and benefits for the ultra-Orthodox.

The report says the coalition backed the bill in its first reading on the condition that it would be changed later. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded that any comparison to IDF service be removed. In the new wording, the phrase “performing significant service” has indeed been deleted.

According to the revised text, “The State of Israel as a Jewish state sees supreme importance in encouraging Torah study and Torah learners. Those who have committed themselves to Torah study for a long period will be regarded as contributing significantly to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.” The practical effect, the article says, is that judges would no longer be able to intervene in matters such as enlistment and benefits for the ultra-Orthodox.

Alongside this effort, Shas and Aryeh Deri are promoting another change to the draft-exemption law that would block the arrest of draft dodgers, effectively granting them temporary protection from detention. The outlet says the ultra-Orthodox do not view the wording change as dramatic, and believe it could help them defend the law at the High Court against future challenges.