Shas Leader Urges Support for Media Law Amid Coalition Tensions Over Religious Legislation

As the Knesset prepares for its summer recess ahead of upcoming elections, the coalition faces internal tensions over key legislation. Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef called on his party to back a media law promoted by Minister Shlomo Karhi, in exchange for advancing the law on the detention of draft dodgers, a Basic Law on Torah Study, and kosher certification legislation. This appeal comes amid a crisis between the ultra-Orthodox parties and the coalition regarding their refusal to support the media law, which they oppose due to Sabbath violations and content they deem inappropriate.

Behind the scenes, members of the Likud and Religious Zionist parties have pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the Basic Law on Torah Study, fearing it could harm the right-wing bloc electorally. Although the law passed its first reading with 63 votes, three lawmakers remain undecided, putting its final approval at risk. Netanyahu, however, is keen to maintain the right-wing bloc's unity to prevent opposition parties from forming a government, a strategy that proved successful in previous election cycles.

Coalition insiders suggest that the ultra-Orthodox parties' continued support depends more on perceiving Netanyahu's efforts on their behalf than on the legislation's content. The upcoming week is expected to see a legislative blitz, with the coalition aiming to pass significant bills including the weakening of the Attorney General's role, the Basic Law on Torah Study, kosher certification laws, and a law permitting gender segregation in academia.

The draft dodger detention law, which effectively grants temporary exemption from IDF service to ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers, currently holds a majority but faces hesitation within the coalition due to possible electoral backlash. Rabbi Yosef's endorsement may revive the media law's chances despite ultra-Orthodox objections. The coalition's legislative agenda thus hangs in a delicate balance as it seeks to satisfy diverse factions ahead of the elections.