Israeli Coalition Races to Pass Controversial Laws Before Knesset Dissolution

As the Knesset approaches its dissolution ahead of the upcoming elections, the Israeli coalition is accelerating efforts to pass a series of contentious laws. This legislative blitz is enabled by a deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties, allowing the coalition to prioritize laws important to the Haredi community, including the Basic Law on Torah Study and the law concerning draft evaders, in exchange for advancing legislation to weaken the Attorney General's role and reform the communications sector.

The Basic Law on Torah Study, a flagship bill for the Haredi parties, is expected to pass its second and third readings imminently. The law aims to establish Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel, though a softened version will omit a key clause about balancing Torah study with other state values. Deputy Attorney General Avital Sompolinsky warned that removing this clause would not significantly alter the legal reality but would grant courts new tools. The bill received praise from Haredi lawmakers but faced harsh criticism from opposition figures such as Naftali Bennett and former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

Another key law freezes arrest procedures for Haredi draft evaders, suspending enforcement for up to 90 days post-approval and extending until November 30, 2026. This law applies to yeshiva students meeting specific study hour requirements. Legal advisors cautioned that this effectively grants immunity to a specific group while maintaining sanctions for others, raising concerns about unequal treatment. Opposition members condemned the law as discriminatory, and some coalition members are expected to oppose it in the plenary.

The coalition is also pushing a law to diminish the Attorney General's authority, allowing the government to reject legal opinions and increasing the Justice Minister's oversight. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara strongly opposed this, stating it would undermine the rule of law and politicize legal enforcement.

In parallel, a sweeping communications reform led by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi is advancing rapidly, despite widespread professional and legal opposition. Critics argue the law threatens free media and benefits wealthy media owners close to the government. The legal counsel to the Knesset described the process as a dangerous precedent with significant procedural flaws.

Additional legislation includes a reform to return kosher supervision control exclusively to the Chief Rabbinate, reversing previous market liberalization, and a bill expanding gender segregation in higher education institutions beyond classrooms to public spaces like cafeterias and libraries. Both laws have sparked significant opposition due to concerns over increased costs, higher living expenses, and infringement on women's rights.

With the Knesset set to dissolve soon, these laws represent the coalition's final legislative push, reflecting deep political and societal divisions ahead of the elections.