Netanyahu Faces Backlash From Ultra-Orthodox Parties Over Torah Study Law and Coalition Threats

A heated political storm has erupted around the Basic Law on Torah Study, with ultra-Orthodox parties threatening to dismantle the right-wing bloc due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated breaches of promises made to their leaders. The controversy was discussed in depth on the 'Friday Night' panel hosted by Yishai Cohen, featuring analysts including Hanani Breitekopf, Avi Widerman, Attorney Abraham Yustman, and Avi Grinzeig.

Netanyahu's coalition is pushing for changes to the law's wording, despite his recent assurances to ultra-Orthodox spiritual leaders, provoking sharp criticism from Shas leader Aryeh Deri and United Torah Judaism's Moshe Gafni. The law aims to regulate the status of Torah scholars, but legal advisors have sparked a media uproar by claiming it grants extensive rights and budgets to the ultra-Orthodox at the expense of reservists. The ultra-Orthodox parties vehemently deny these allegations, emphasizing the law's intent to formalize Torah study status without discrimination.

The panel also examined the ultra-Orthodox community's continued trust in Netanyahu despite past broken commitments and questioned the likelihood of the law passing in the Knesset. A dramatic threat from Shas to break up the right-wing bloc was highlighted as a response to deep disappointment with Netanyahu's government and repeated promise violations. The panel debated whether this threat is a genuine political move or a tactic to pressure the prime minister, considering potential impacts on coalition stability and the broader political landscape.

Additionally, with less than four months until elections, ultra-Orthodox parties accuse a targeted campaign aimed at suppressing their voter turnout to weaken the right-wing bloc and their own political strength. The panel analyzed evidence for this claim and discussed how these parties plan to confront this challenge ahead of the elections.