Finance Minister Smotrich Criticizes Treasury's Legal Opinion on Torah Study Law as Unprofessional

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich harshly criticized the professional legal opinion issued by the Treasury Ministry regarding the Basic Law on Torah Study. Speaking on Monday during a faction meeting, Smotrich described the opinion as "substandard professionally," calling it "fictional, amateurish, and completely unprofessional." He expressed disappointment that Treasury staff had signed off on what he termed nonsense. Smotrich also revealed that the Treasury's legal advisor signed the document without his knowledge, and condemned the use of the legal office's logo and lawyer's signature as a false claim to legal validity, calling it "a disgrace." Regarding the content of the Basic Law on Torah Study, Smotrich stated that while some may dislike the law, it does not relate to funding or whether ultra-Orthodox men must work or serve in the military. He emphasized that the law does not grant exemptions from military service or core education. Meanwhile, the Treasury's professional staff warned that the law would increase the financial burden on taxpayers and those serving in the military, predicting an unavoidable tax hike of 16 percent to cover the costs.