Israel Enacts Basic Law on Torah Study to Strengthen Right-Wing Alliance

Israel has passed a Basic Law declaring Torah study a fundamental value in the Jewish people's heritage and the State of Israel. The law states simply, "Torah study is a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and the State of Israel." This move has sparked controversy, especially among some religious Zionists who view it as a backdoor route to military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.

The law is declarative and symbolic, without altering existing military service laws, granting exemptions, budgets, or benefits. It aims to constitutionally enshrine Torah study as a core element of Israel's Jewish identity, reflecting the spiritual and religious heritage emphasized in Israel's Declaration of Independence. The law applies broadly to all who study Torah, including yeshiva students, soldiers, professionals, and community members, not exclusively the ultra-Orthodox.

Politically, the law serves multiple purposes. For ultra-Orthodox parties, it is a significant symbolic achievement after recent tensions over military conscription and budget issues. It allows them to affirm Torah study's constitutional status to their constituencies. For the right-wing bloc, the law is a strategic move to reinforce the alliance with the ultra-Orthodox ahead of upcoming elections, following signs of potential political realignment and threats to the religious-right coalition's majority.

The law's timing follows political upheavals, including statements denying the existence of the right-wing bloc and meetings hinting at new political alliances. The legislation is intended to remind the ultra-Orthodox community and its leaders that their partnership with the right is based on shared values, thereby strengthening the religious-right coalition's position in shaping the identity of the next government.

The author of the analysis is the chairman of the Communities Fund.