Israeli Knesset Advances Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Coalition Disputes
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
The Israeli Knesset will vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study after coalition disputes led to a softened bill affirming Torah study as a core value. Ultra-Orthodox factions opposed changes but agreed to retain the law’s main clause. Additional legislation on draft-dodging arrests, the Attorney General’s role, and kosher certification reform will also be considered.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Knesset to vote on Basic Law: Torah Study for second and third readings Monday evening.
- Bill softened by removing clause equating Torah study with other state values to avoid legal issues.
- Degel HaTorah and Shas oppose changes but agree to keep core clause affirming Torah study’s value.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu and Likud proposed additional clauses rejected by ultra-Orthodox factions.
- Other bills on draft-dodger arrests, Attorney General role split, and kosher reform also advancing.
- Religious Zionism MK Ohad Tal leads effort to repeal kosher certification reform.
The Israeli Knesset is set to vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study for its second and third readings on Monday evening, following a series of coalition disputes. The law declares Torah study as a fundamental value in Jewish heritage and the State of Israel. A significant amendment was made over the weekend, removing a clause that equated Torah study with other basic state values to avoid practical legal complications.
This softening of the bill faced strong opposition from Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah faction, who communicated to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United Torah Judaism alliance would not accept any changes to the original wording. However, Degel HaTorah and Shas later issued a joint statement denying any retreat, clarifying that they rejected additional clauses proposed by Netanyahu and Likud, insisting that any other provisions should be legislated separately and not within the Basic Law on Torah Study.
Despite initial tensions, the factions agreed that the law would retain its core clause affirming Torah study as a foundational value in Jewish heritage and Israel. This principle was described as the heart of the legislation and the main reason for its introduction.
In addition to the Basic Law on Torah Study, the Knesset is expected to vote later this week on other controversial bills, including the freezing of arrests of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox men, which was approved by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and a bill to split the role of the Attorney General, which has undergone revisions ahead of its upcoming readings. The coalition also plans to advance legislation to repeal the kosher certification reform initiated by former Minister Matan Kahana, a move led by MK Ohad Tal of the Religious Zionism party, aimed at restoring the monopoly on kosher supervision.
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