Opposition Condemns Netanyahu-Backed Basic Law on Torah Study as Political Surrender

Opposition members in the Israeli Knesset strongly criticized the Basic Law: Torah Study, which passed its final reading on Monday with 63 votes in favor. Efrat Rayten, chair of the Democratic faction, condemned the law as a political deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties, accusing it of institutionalizing draft evasion and undermining equality and national security. Rayten, speaking as a mother of former and current soldiers, said Netanyahu distanced himself from the vote by not attending but warned that the political fallout would come on October 27.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also denounced the law, calling it a "disgrace to the Torah" and branding the current government as the most anti-Zionist in Israel's history. Bennett accused the government of deliberately harming the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) throughout the ongoing conflict and pledged that the next government would investigate the current administration's actions after October 7, including its alleged abandonment of soldiers. He promised to repeal the controversial laws passed in the government's final days and restore order.

The Basic Law: Torah Study enshrines the exemption of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service, a highly contentious issue in Israeli society. The law's passage reflects ongoing political negotiations and tensions between secular and religious factions ahead of upcoming elections. The opposition's sharp response highlights the deep divisions over military service and the government's priorities during a period of national security challenges.