Israeli Knesset Committee Advances Basic Law on Torah Study After Controversial Clause Removed

The Knesset Committee approved the Basic Law proposal on Torah study for its second and third readings on Thursday evening. Initiated by Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah faction, the bill passed with six votes in favor and four against. It is expected to proceed to a final vote in the full Knesset next week, pending approval of a revision scheduled for Sunday.

The law's advancement follows a compromise between the Likud party and the ultra-Orthodox factions Shas and Degel HaTorah. The contentious Section 2, which aimed to recognize Torah study as a fundamental value to balance other state core values, was removed. The remaining Section 1 declares Torah study as a foundational value in the heritage of the Jewish people.

Knesset Committee Chair Ophir Katz, who proposed the deletion of Section 2, explained that the decision came after consultations with ultra-Orthodox coalition partners and others. Katz emphasized that the law now solely affirms Torah study as a core value without affecting soldiers or other state functions. He also noted that opposition members indicated support following the clause's removal.

Gafni praised the progress, stating, "The Jewish state restores the honor of the Torah and its learners to their rightful place." However, opposition MK Naor Shiri criticized the law for granting Torah study a unique constitutional status not extended to military service or care for combat trauma victims, arguing it has practical implications beyond a mere declaration.

Legal advisors raised questions about the law's practical effects after the amendment. Government legal advisor Avital Sompolinsky suggested the law might now be purely declarative, while Knesset legal advisor Shagit Afik noted the remaining text does not influence resource allocation or the status of soldiers. Within the coalition, opinions varied; Shas MK Yinon Azulai accepted the clause removal but warned it could still affect judicial decisions on equality. Meanwhile, Yahadut HaTorah leader Yitzhak Goldknopf opposed the removal, claiming he was not informed and wished to retain Section 2.

The revision vote on Sunday and a related bill addressing soldiers' concerns are expected to finalize the law's approval process.