Knesset Committee Advances Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Coalition Dispute

The Knesset Committee continued its preparations for the Basic Law on Torah Study, moving closer to second and third readings in the full Knesset. On Wednesday, the committee held further discussions, with coalition chairman MK Ofir Katz announcing that voting would begin the next day. Members of Knesset were given a deadline until 8:00 a.m. Thursday to submit amendments, with the committee scheduled to convene at 10:00 a.m. to vote on the bill’s wording.

Tensions within the coalition have intensified, particularly between the Likud party and the ultra-Orthodox Degel HaTorah faction, over the bill’s text. Katz noted that despite conflicting reports, Likud is also considering submitting reservations to the bill. Degel HaTorah has opposed any changes to the proposed wording, and recently threatened not to support coalition legislation in the Knesset plenary until the Torah study-related legislation advances. This friction was evident when some members abstained from a vote transferring Interior Ministry powers to the prime minister.

The Knesset’s legal advisor, Attorney Shagit Afik, warned that the current draft leaves many practical questions unanswered and suggested clarifying whether the bill is merely declarative. She emphasized the law’s potential impact on various government ministries and criticized the absence of a relevant IDF representative from discussions, stating the military’s position is essential before concluding debates on conscription issues. Meanwhile, MK Yinon Azulai rejected claims that the bill would have financial consequences, describing it as a tool for judges in cases involving Torah study and equality.

Deputy Attorney General Avital Sompolinsky expressed skepticism that the bill is purely declarative, noting a broader interpretation of the status of Torah learners. Additionally, combat veterans participating in the debate demanded inclusion in the law, with one veteran clarifying their protest was not against the ultra-Orthodox community but aimed at securing constitutional recognition for soldiers. MK Nati Shaked proposed adding a clause recognizing the state’s supreme value in honoring combatants and supporters.

The bill now moves to the amendment and voting stage in the Knesset Committee. If approved, it will proceed to the full Knesset for second and third readings.