Israeli Coalition Softens Basic Law on Torah Study After Haredi Compromise

On Thursday, coalition chairman Ofir Katz announced a compromise with Haredi parties regarding the Basic Law on Torah Study, which had previously passed its first reading in the Knesset. The law will now be declarative only, with Section 2, which balanced Torah study against other state values, removed from the bill. This change came after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz warned Haredi faction leaders that the law would not advance without softening its language.

Despite the softer wording, the law still recognizes Torah study as a "fundamental value," which Haredi representatives believe will support their legal arguments against mandatory IDF conscription in future Supreme Court cases. The original text stated that Torah study was a core value in Jewish heritage and Israeli society, aiming to create a balance with other state values.

Key Haredi figures, including MKs Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni, consulted with Lithuanian community leader Rabbi Dov Lando during the negotiations. Initially frustrated with the Likud for reneging on promises, they considered abandoning the bill altogether but ultimately agreed to the revised version, seeing it as beneficial for their ongoing fight against conscription.

The law is part of a broader political deal revealed by ynet, in which Netanyahu’s coalition agreed to advance legislation favorable to the Haredi community in exchange for their support of a political investigation committee into the October 7 massacre.

Shas and Degel HaTorah emphasized that the law’s core remains the recognition of Torah study as a fundamental value in Jewish heritage and the state of Israel. However, opposition voices like Likud MK Dan Illouz criticized the removal of the key section as a political maneuver that does not change the law’s intent to facilitate draft exemptions.

Religious Zionist MK Moshe Solomon supported the revised law, stating it aligned with his initial demands. Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry expressed concerns that prioritizing Torah study over equality could disrupt budget priorities and resource allocation. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir also opposed the law, emphasizing the importance of soldiers and commanders as Israel’s most vital resource deserving top priority in state support and resources.