Degel HaTorah Chair Gafni Rejects Any Changes to Basic Law on Torah Study

Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah party, firmly stated on Wednesday that he will not accept any amendments to the Basic Law on Torah Study. This declaration came a day after the Knesset's legal advisor, Attorney Shagit Afik, indicated in a committee discussion that the current wording of the law might grant benefits similar to those given to IDF combat soldiers to Torah students. Afik explained that while unique benefits for combat soldiers would likely remain, Torah study could be elevated to a status comparable to a bachelor's degree, potentially entitling students to scholarships akin to those provided for military service members pursuing higher education.

Following Afik's remarks and criticism from within the coalition, there were calls to modify the law's language or include IDF servicemen explicitly. Coalition chairman MK Ofir Katz acknowledged the reports of differing positions and noted that Likud members are considering expressing reservations about the law. During the Knesset committee session, Likud MK Dan Illouz harshly criticized the law, calling it a "desecration of the Torah" and arguing it would embarrass the coalition and the national-liberal movement he belongs to. He accused the law of effectively granting exemptions from military service and criticized attempts to persuade other parties to support it.

Illouz urged support for Afik's suggestion to make the law declarative rather than substantive, noting that some ultra-Orthodox MKs claim the law is merely symbolic, while telling the ultra-Orthodox media it would bring significant changes. Gafni's refusal to alter the law's text underscores the ongoing tensions within the coalition regarding the balance between military service benefits and recognition of Torah study.

The debate highlights the political sensitivity surrounding military exemptions and benefits for Torah students in Israel, with the coalition facing internal divisions and public scrutiny over the legislation's implications.