Israeli Parliament Advances Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Controversy Over Draft Exemptions

The final stage of the "Haredi Deal" is underway as the Basic Law on Torah Study is set for a second and third reading vote today at noon in the Knesset plenum. This law, which enshrines Torah study as a fundamental value, is the first to be approved under the deal revealed by ynet. A clause granting military service benefits to draft evaders was removed, but the revised text still supports the Haredi community's opposition to IDF conscription by equating Torah study with the principle of equality. This legal framing could be used in future Supreme Court discussions on the draft issue.

Last Thursday, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz announced an agreement with Haredi parties to amend the law by deleting Section 2, which balanced competing values. Following this, the Knesset Committee approved the bill for further readings. Prior to the amendment, Haredi MKs Aryeh Deri and Moshe Gafni consulted with Rabbi Dov Lando, a leader of the Lithuanian Haredi community. Initially, there was anger within Haredi factions toward the Likud for not fulfilling promises in the deal, and some considered abandoning the legislation altogether. However, they ultimately concluded that even the softened version could aid their legal battle against conscription.

The Finance Ministry opposed the law, warning it could disrupt budget priorities by prioritizing Torah study over equality. Criticism also came from within the coalition; Likud MK Dan Illouz called the law a political maneuver that effectively legitimizes draft evasion, accusing the government of silencing professional voices by removing the key clause late in the process.

In the Knesset's final days before dissolution, other related laws are expected to pass, including a freeze on arrests of draft-dodging Torah students, repeal of binding legal adviser opinions, reversal of Shas's kosher reform, gender segregation in academia, and a communications law proposed by Shlomo Karhi.