Israeli Knesset Passes First Reading of Basic Law to Enshrine Torah Study as Constitutional Value

The Israeli Knesset approved in a first reading the Basic Law proposal to establish Torah study as a constitutional value, with 63 votes in favor and 53 against. The bill aims to recognize Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel’s heritage and legal system, potentially serving as a basis for future legislation exempting yeshiva students from military service. Members of the Religious Zionist Party supported the bill despite the removal of a clause equating yeshiva students’ rights with those of IDF soldiers, while most Arab MKs opposed it. Shas supported the bill alongside the Moazeen Law, reflecting ongoing cooperation between ultra-Orthodox parties and the coalition despite public tensions with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The legislation is part of a political deal between the coalition and ultra-Orthodox parties, involving two exemption laws in exchange for their backing of judicial overhaul laws, including the division of powers of the government legal advisor. Concurrently, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee began discussing a separate bill exempting yeshiva students from arrests. Unlike the arrest exemption law, which is expected to be struck down by the Supreme Court, the Basic Law on Torah Study may face a more complex legal review due to its constitutional status and unclear practical implications.

The bill’s advancement has been criticized for procedural irregularities, as it was moved from the Constitution Committee to the Knesset Committee, which lacks relevant jurisdiction. The Knesset legal advisor Arbel Estrachan condemned the process, stating the bill’s consequences were deliberately obscured and the rapid discussions hindered proper preparation. Deputy legal advisor Avital Sompolinsky questioned the bill’s purpose, arguing it does not resemble a typical law and should not proceed without clarifying its goals.

Opposition MKs harshly criticized the bill, with Yesh Atid’s Vladimir Beliak calling it a "law of draft evasion," and Israel Beytenu’s Yulia Malinovsky accusing Likud of being worse than extremist religious factions. Democratic MK Naama Lazimi described it as "anchoring draft evasion during wartime," while Yesh Atid’s Mati Tzarfati-Harkabi called it a "disgrace to Torah." Supporters like Moshe Gafni cited historical leaders Ben-Gurion and Begin’s respect for Torah study and argued the law is necessary to prevent arrests of Torah students. Agudat Yisrael MKs Isaac Goldknopf and Meir Porush emphasized the law’s importance and criticized political opponents, with Porush’s use of the term "Ugandans" sparking controversy. MK Uri Maklev stressed that Zionism without Torah is meaningless.