IDF Veterans Disrupt Knesset Debate Over Torah Study Law, Demand Priority Support

On July 9, 2026, the Knesset committee debated the Basic Law on Torah Study ahead of its second and third readings. During the session, combat veterans interrupted the discussion, demanding that their needs be prioritized over the legislation promoting Torah study exemptions. Einav Danino, mother of Uri Danino who was kidnapped and murdered by Hamas, supported the veterans, urging lawmakers to prioritize them. She described the pain of losing her son after 11 months in captivity and highlighted the sacrifices of the veterans, emphasizing that 109 veterans have already been lost and none should be lost further.

MK Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed solidarity with the veterans, promising to champion legislation to support them. Meanwhile, opposition members initially submitted thousands of amendments but withdrew them, citing ongoing negotiations between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties. Emanuel Veizer, a judge on the Likud party court and longtime party member, publicly criticized the coalition and Likud for yielding to ultra-Orthodox demands. He condemned the party for promoting what he called "lies" about the choice between IDF service and Torah study and threatened to quit Likud if the law passes.

Likud MK Ariel Kallner stated in a radio interview that he opposes prioritizing Torah students over IDF soldiers, emphasizing that those who serve deserve greater recognition and benefits than any other sector. He rejected calls for equal rights between soldiers and Torah students, underscoring the supreme value of defending Israel.

The "Maaminim" movement, including prominent figures such as former Samaria deputy council head David Ben-Zion and Israel Prize laureate Menachem Klamzon, urged Religious Zionist Party leader Bezalel Smotrich to halt the bill's advancement. They argued the current law harms those who serve, fails to encourage enlistment, and undermines the integration of Torah study with national responsibility. They called for expanding frameworks that combine meaningful Torah study with military service and for supporting the serving public rather than perpetuating exemptions. The vote on the bill is scheduled for Sunday, with activists urging lawmakers to stand with the serving public and Religious Zionism.