IDF Chief Emphasizes Soldiers Must Be Top Priority Amid New Torah Study Law Debate

In a situation assessment marking 1,000 days since the October 7 massacre and the start of the war, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir indirectly addressed the recently approved Basic Law: Torah Study, passed in its first reading by the Knesset on Wednesday. Zamir stressed that soldiers and commanders in active duty, permanent service, and reserves are Israel's most valuable resource and should be prioritized first in state decisions and resource allocation, with care for their well-being, families, and futures.

The Knesset approved the Basic Law: Torah Study in a 63-53 vote, following a political deal between Likud and ultra-Orthodox parties. Some Likud members, including Dan Illouz and Yuli Edelstein, opposed the bill. Ultra-Orthodox parties insisted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vote in favor to secure a majority of 61 votes, which he did, attending the vote directly from the Maccabiah Games opening ceremony.

Zamir reflected on the ongoing conflict, calling it the longest war in Israel's history, which began with a tragic failure but from which Israel recovered and led a campaign with unprecedented achievements. He highlighted Iran as the central focus for military readiness and described the current period as an interim phase with active combat zones at varying intensities, interconnected and influencing each other.

Acknowledging the heavy burden on soldiers who have been fighting for 1,000 days, Zamir emphasized the need to remain alert for rapid escalations and immediate returns to combat to deepen gains and achieve victory. He also called for efforts to reduce burnout, care for personnel, and improve operational readiness during this period.

Zamir concluded by reiterating that soldiers and commanders are Israel's most important asset and deserve to be the state's top priority in decisions and resources, ensuring support for them and their families.