Israeli Government Rushes Key Legislation Ahead of Knesset Dissolution

With only three days remaining before the dissolution of the 25th Knesset, the Israeli government and coalition are accelerating a legislative marathon to finalize pending laws. On Tuesday, the government convened for a session focused on advancing several bills, including the controversial law exempting Torah students from arrest, following the recent approval of the Basic Law: Torah Study. However, the meeting was temporarily halted after opposition members delayed proceedings in the Knesset plenum, prompting ministers to be summoned to the Knesset to secure a voting majority. The government session was rescheduled to resume at 17:30 in Jerusalem.

The proposed law on arrest exemptions defines a yeshiva student as one engaged in at least 45 hours of weekly Torah study, with recognized yeshivas to be determined by the Defense Minister. This bill's vote, initially planned for 15:30, was postponed due to the delays. Meanwhile, the Basic Law: Torah Study, introduced by Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni, was passed in the Knesset with 63 votes in favor and 52 against, establishing Torah study as a fundamental value in Jewish heritage and the State of Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not participate in the vote, and Likud MKs Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz opposed it.

In addition to these, parliamentary committees have been finalizing several significant laws under tight deadlines. These include the Communications Law initiated by MK Shlomo Karhi, which excludes a free broadcasting app but maintains the "Idan Plus" system with a 25 million shekel budget cut from the public broadcasting corporation. The Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee approved extending mandatory military service to 32 months amid concerns about the capacity of regular and reserve forces. Discussions also continue on the electoral law for the 26th Knesset, scheduled for October 27, 2026, with debates on restrictions regarding political propaganda in ministers' offices.

The coalition has set the Knesset dissolution date for July 17, with elections to proceed as planned in late October. This legislative push aims to address unresolved issues before the current Knesset's term ends, despite opposition resistance and procedural challenges.