MK Ravivo Supports Basic Law on Torah Study After Securing Legislative Guarantees

A last-minute political drama unfolded around MK Eliyahu Ravivo's vote in favor of the Basic Law on Torah Study on Wednesday. Ravivo conditioned his support on a commitment that two bills he initiated would be advanced promptly. These bills included one to commemorate Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, scheduled for preliminary reading, and another addressing incitement to terror, set for second and third readings.

Before the vote, Ravivo sought confirmation that these promises would be honored. He approached MK Uri Maklev, who had opposed the move until early morning, requesting assurance that the legislation would proceed as agreed. Maklev hesitated to provide an unequivocal guarantee, which angered Ravivo and led him to leave the chamber temporarily.

Only after intervention by ministers Aryeh Deri and Yinon Azoulay, who assured Ravivo that the commitments would be fulfilled, did he return to the Knesset plenum and vote in favor of the Basic Law. This sequence highlights the behind-the-scenes negotiations influencing legislative decisions in the Knesset.