Israeli Knesset Advances Torah Study and Muezzin Noise Laws Amid Coalition Tensions

The Israeli Knesset is set to pass the Basic Law: Torah Study, which aims to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value and equate the status of Torah learners with that of military service members. The bill, developed by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation, received preliminary approval in committee and is expected to pass in the plenum vote on Wednesday.

Alongside this, the Knesset approved the Muezzin Noise Law proposed by MK Tzvika Fogel of Otzma Yehudit, with a vote of 50 in favor and 36 against. The law garnered support from the Shas party in the coalition and Yisrael Beiteinu in the opposition, despite a political deal between United Torah Judaism and the Arab parties Hadash-Ta'al. This deal, reportedly brokered between Finance Committee Chair MK Moshe Gafni and Ta'al leader MK Ahmad Tibi, influenced the voting patterns, with Shas backing the Muezzin law and United Torah Judaism opposing it.

The Torah Study bill passed with 56 votes for and 43 against, including four coalition members who defied party discipline. However, Deputy Legal Advisor Avital Sompolinsky criticized the legislative process, stating the bill lacks clarity on key issues such as the definition and rights of Haredi individuals.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee discussed a bill to halt arrests of yeshiva students classified as draft evaders. IDF representative Brigadier General Shai Tayeb emphasized the need for enforcement across all groups subject to military service law and warned of rising numbers of draft dodgers. MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism sarcastically praised the committee's efforts, while MK Merav Cohen retorted that it was his responsibility.

Earlier this week, a bill regulating the IDF draft of yeshiva students was published, including a 90-day freeze on enforcement actions against those who declare compliance with study requirements starting July 1, 2023.