Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel Calls Torah Study Law 'Election Bribery' Ahead of Vote

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel criticized the upcoming Basic Law on Torah Study, calling it "election bribery" during a Wednesday interview on Kan Reshet Bet's "Binyamini and Moalem" program. The law is scheduled for a first reading vote that evening. Haskel also addressed the recently approved preliminary reading of the daycare law in the Knesset, arguing that some parties are distributing financial benefits to their voter bases, including an additional 5,000 shekels monthly for daycare payments and now benefits for Torah students. She accused these moves of being political gifts aimed at securing votes.

When asked why she has not resigned from the government in protest, Haskel explained that two parties are pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatening elections if their specific sectors are not exempted from existing laws. She stated that she and six other Knesset members have so far prevented these legislative measures but warned that if the Torah study law passes, she would seriously consider resignation.