Israeli Coalition Pushes Final Legislative Package to Fulfill Netanyahu-Haredi Agreements

After months of negotiations, crises, and threats from Haredi parties, the Israeli Knesset is set to convene on Monday at noon to advance a final legislative blitz aimed at fulfilling key commitments made between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Haredi factions. The agenda includes several significant bills: the Basic Law on Torah Study, freezing the detention of draft-dodging Haredim, splitting the Attorney General role, repealing the kosher certification reform, a communications law, and multiple election law amendments, all scheduled before the summer recess.

The Basic Law on Torah Study, which underwent substantial softening over the weekend, remains the top priority. Notably, the controversial clause granting Torah study a special constitutional status was removed following criticism. Despite these changes, legal experts warn the law in its current form may still face judicial challenges. Additionally, the bill to freeze arrests of draft-dodging Haredim was approved by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and will proceed to further readings this week.

The proposal to divide the Attorney General's position has also been revised and is slated for second and third readings. The coalition plans to advance the repeal of the kosher certification reform, initially promoted by former Minister Matan Kahana to open the kosher market to competition, with Religious Zionist Party MK Ohad Tal leading the effort. The communications law, championed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and reviewed by a special committee chaired by MK Galit Distel Atbaryan, will also be brought forward. Under pressure from Haredi parties, a clause enabling a free government TV streaming app was removed at the last minute.

Finally, the coalition aims to pass a series of election law amendments, including changes to party funding and election arrangements, to complete the legislative package before the summer session closes.