Israeli Knesset Committee Approves Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Controversy

After a heated day of discussions in the Knesset committee, the Basic Law on Torah Study was approved for its second and third readings with a vote of six in favor and four against. The approval followed a compromise between the Shas and Degel HaTorah parties and Likud. A contentious clause known as the "balance of justice" was removed from the bill, leaving the law to recognize Torah study as a fundamental value. The final vote on the law will only take place after advancing another bill intended to address the concerns of Israeli soldiers. Hanan Goldknopf, a member of the ultra-Orthodox community, opposed the removal of the clause, stating, "They did not speak with me." The discussions reflect ongoing tensions within Israeli society regarding religious and military obligations.