Ultra-Orthodox Parties Demand Practical Torah Study Law with Benefits for Yeshiva Students

Ultra-Orthodox political parties in Israel have announced they will not support the recently passed declarative "Basic Law: Torah Study" and are instead demanding practical legislation that grants defined rights and benefits to Torah learners and yeshiva students. According to informed sources, these parties insist that Torah study be established as a fundamental value with real legal and budgetary significance, not merely as a statement of intent.

Last week, the Knesset approved the Basic Law in its first reading with 63 votes in favor and 53 against. The law aims to enshrine Torah study as a core value and equate the status of Torah learners with that of IDF soldiers. Shas party leader Aryeh Deri praised the move as a historic correction recognizing the spiritual role of Torah scholars. MK Meir Porush emphasized that the law sends a message of respect for Torah learners and opposes persecution of yeshiva students, expressing hope for its final approval in the current Knesset session.

Opposition came from former Prime Minister and "Beyachad" party leader Naftali Bennett, who sharply criticized the law, pledging to repeal it immediately upon forming a new government. Bennett argued that the law encourages draft evasion and undermines national security, noting the IDF's urgent need for 20,000 soldiers. Similarly, "Yesh" party leader Gadi Eizenkot condemned the law as damaging to Israel's national backbone and accused the coalition of prioritizing political survival over military and societal strength.

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni defended the legislation, stating it was necessary to restore the honor of Torah study, which he said has been devalued in recent years. He cited directives from leading rabbis and historical precedent from Ben-Gurion and Begin to justify the law as essential for maintaining the Jewish state's identity.

The law's preliminary approval followed a political deal between ultra-Orthodox and Arab parties, with 56 Knesset members supporting it and 43 opposing, including four coalition members who voted against party discipline. The Deputy Attorney General, Avital Sompolinsky, criticized the legislative process, arguing that the law's purpose remains unclear and that it fails to define who qualifies as ultra-Orthodox or clarify their rights and obligations.