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 to advance a series of contentious bills. The effort 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.

The legislative package includes laws demanded by the ultra-Orthodox parties, such as a bill preventing the arrest of draft dodgers from their community and a reform of kosher certification that would return exclusive control to the Rabbinate, reversing previous market-opening reforms. In exchange, Netanyahu seeks ultra-Orthodox support for laws aimed at weakening the free press, splitting the role of the Attorney General, and establishing a politically appointed committee to investigate the events of October 7.

The draft dodger law has raised legal concerns about discrimination, as it protects only ultra-Orthodox draft evaders and not secular or national-religious ones. Military representatives warned that arrests and detentions are essential to enforcing conscription, especially with a growing number of draft evaders. The kosher reform is expected to reduce competition and consumer choice, potentially increasing costs and creating thousands of new supervisory jobs, which local authorities oppose due to high expenses.

The Attorney General split bill aims to divide the current role into two separate positions, diluting the Attorney General's powers and increasing government influence over the appointment of the State Attorney. Legal advisors have cautioned that this would undermine judicial oversight and checks and balances, harming individual rights and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, the government is advancing a law to weaken the free press, offering benefits to media outlets supportive of Netanyahu, such as Channel 14 and i24news, including lifting investment requirements and easing operational restrictions. Additionally, a politically controlled committee to investigate the October 7 attacks will be formed, with half its members appointed by the coalition and half by the opposition. However, opposition parties have refused to cooperate, meaning the committee will likely operate with coalition members only, effectively controlled by politicians in office during the attacks.