Gafni Demands Full Legislation on Torah Study Law from Netanyahu Amid Political Crisis

Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah party, has sent a clear message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting a mere declarative version of the Basic Law on Torah Study. This demand arises amid a deepening political crisis and efforts to reach agreements ahead of possible elections. Gafni emphasized in meetings with Netanyahu that the legislation’s main goal must be to provide substantial economic benefits to yeshiva students, not just a symbolic statement on the status of Torah study.

This stance presents Netanyahu with a significant challenge: to advance legislation that can withstand Supreme Court scrutiny while satisfying the demands of the ultra-Orthodox parties. Although the Knesset Committee approved the Basic Law on Torah Study for its first reading, which defines Torah study as a fundamental value in Jewish heritage and the State of Israel, Gafni insists this wording is insufficient. Deputy Government Legal Advisor Avital Sompolinsky raised critical questions during the committee discussion about the law’s purpose and implications, stating that progress cannot be made before clarifying these issues.

Simultaneously, Gafni and Aryeh Deri, leader of Shas, issued a joint ultimatum to Netanyahu demanding immediate advancement of both the Basic Law on Torah Study and a law to halt arrests of Torah students, with clear timelines. They called for convening the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee and the Knesset Committee within the week. However, the ultra-Orthodox parties later denied reports of any political deal with Netanyahu, asserting their demands stand independently and are non-negotiable.

Reports indicate that in a meeting about two weeks ago, Netanyahu sought assurances from Deri and Gafni that advancing these laws would secure continued ultra-Orthodox support for the right-wing bloc after elections. Deri described the laws as a "red line," implying cooperation could continue if passed. Conversely, Gafni, following guidance from Rabbi Dov Lando, stated "there is currently no bloc," and passing the laws does not guarantee automatic support for Netanyahu. This reflects the complex political position of the ultra-Orthodox parties, balancing their community interests with broader political considerations.

The ongoing political crisis places Netanyahu in a difficult position: he must meet ultra-Orthodox demands to maintain coalition stability while facing legal and political opposition to legislation perceived as granting special privileges. The key question remains whether he can craft a law that passes Supreme Court review and satisfies Gafni and Deri’s requirements.