Netanyahu and Smotrich Demand Haredi Yeshiva Support for Controversial Laws in Exchange for Funding

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have instructed leaders of the Haredi Hesder yeshivas to publicly back two contentious laws in return for increased government funding. The laws in question are the Basic Law on Torah Study and the law ending the detention of draft dodgers. If the yeshivas support these laws, the government plans to pass a resolution that would significantly double their budget.

However, the coalition faces legal challenges regarding the Basic Law on Torah Study. The Knesset's legal advisor, Attorney Shagit Afik, stated that the law equates benefits between IDF soldiers and Torah students, which complicates its passage. In response, coalition members drafted a revised version of the law that removes the phrase "balance of justice," recognizing Torah study as important but avoiding direct comparison to military service.

This new wording angered the Haredi parties, who see the "balance of justice" clause as essential to equate Torah study with military service. Consequently, negotiations broke down, and the revised draft was shelved. The coalition then proposed a different clause addressing the status of combat soldiers, which the Haredi factions also currently oppose.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within the coalition over legislation affecting the Haredi community and military service exemptions. The government continues to seek a compromise that would secure both legal approval and political support for the laws and the associated funding increases for the yeshivas.