Coalition Chair to Lead Discussions on Basic Law for Torah Study Following Ultra-Orthodox Pressure

The chairman of the coalition, Ofir Katz, will lead the discussions on the Basic Law for Torah Study after ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and Degel HaTorah expressed strong opposition to the initial plan for MK Avichai Boaron to manage the committee sessions. Boaron was originally set to lead the discussions due to Katz's heavy workload, as Katz also serves as coalition chairman and legislative manager during a sensitive pre-election period. Boaron had even scheduled the first discussion for Monday to expedite the law's advancement.

However, the ultra-Orthodox factions viewed the decision to replace Katz with Boaron as a sign of disregard for the law, which they consider a critical condition for continuing their coalition support. Despite explanations from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's circle that the change was purely a technical consideration, the pressure led to a last-minute reversal, reinstating Katz as the committee chair for the discussions, with Boaron as his substitute.

This development follows an agreement between Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox leaders, Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni, that advancing the Basic Law for Torah Study, alongside a temporary law to cancel arrests of Torah students, is essential for maintaining their coalition backing. Netanyahu warned that failure to progress the legislation within a week could prompt the ultra-Orthodox parties to support dissolving the Knesset.

Additionally, Boaz Bismuth, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, announced plans to advance the temporary law to cancel arrests of Torah students, with committee discussions scheduled for this week aiming for swift approval.