Netanyahu and Ultra-Orthodox Allies Push Controversial Laws Ahead of Knesset Dissolution

In the two weeks leading up to the anticipated dissolution of the Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties have launched a legislative blitz involving several contentious bills. The process began with the first reading approval of the Basic Law: Torah Study, which grants constitutional status to Torah study as a fundamental value in Israeli society. This law passed with 63 votes in favor and 53 against, including four coalition members opposing it.

As part of the political deal, the coalition is advancing laws demanded by the ultra-Orthodox parties, including a bill preventing the arrest of draft dodgers from their community and a reform of kosher certification that would restore exclusive control to the Chief Rabbinate, reversing previous market-opening reforms. These moves come in exchange for ultra-Orthodox support for legislation aimed at weakening the free press, splitting the role of the Attorney General into two positions, and establishing a politically controlled committee to investigate the events of October 7.

The draft dodger bill has drawn criticism from legal advisors who warn it promotes discrimination by protecting only ultra-Orthodox draft evaders and grants immunity to future draft dodgers. The Defense Ministry highlighted concerns about the growing number of draft evaders, which could reach 90,000, undermining military recruitment efforts.

The Attorney General split bill seeks to reduce the powers of the current Attorney General and increase government influence over appointing the General Prosecutor. Legal officials have expressed serious concerns that this would weaken judicial oversight and checks and balances, potentially harming individual rights and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, the media weakening bill proposes benefits for outlets aligned with Netanyahu, such as Channel 14 and i24news, including relaxed investment and operational requirements. The political investigation committee for the October 7 events will be dominated by coalition appointees, as the opposition has refused to participate, effectively allowing the government to control the inquiry.

This legislative surge reflects a complex exchange of political favors between Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties, with significant implications for Israel's legal system, military conscription, media freedom, and oversight of national security failures.