Knesset Passes First Reading of Basic Law on Torah Study with 63-53 Vote

The Knesset plenum approved the Basic Law on Torah Study in its first reading on Wednesday evening, with 63 members voting in favor and 53 against. The bill, seen as a victory for the ultra-Orthodox parties, will now proceed to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for further discussion and preparation before its second and third readings.

The vote revealed some dissent within the coalition, as Likud MKs Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz opposed the bill, along with Religious Zionism MK Moshe Solomon. Conversely, MKs Michal Waldiger and Eliyahu Raviv supported the legislation. MKs Avi Maoz and Ahmad Tibi were absent during the vote.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was present in the plenum during the vote, alongside prominent ultra-Orthodox leaders such as Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni. The bill aims to establish Torah study as a constitutional basic law, reflecting the priorities of the Haredi community. Following the committee stage, the bill will return to the Knesset for final readings.