Knesset Approves Reversal of Kashrut Reform Amid Coalition Legislative Push

The Knesset approved the cancellation of the Kashrut reform late Tuesday night in a second and third reading vote of 46 to 41. The reform, originally promoted by former Minister of Religious Services Matan Kahana during the "change government," aimed to transform the Chief Rabbinate into a regulatory body that could authorize other entities to issue kosher certifications under certain conditions. The ultra-Orthodox parties led opposition to the reform, with some Religious Zionist members also expressing concern over the Rabbinate's diminished status.

Former Religious Services Minister Michael Malchieli of Shas praised the repeal, calling it a historic correction that strengthens the Chief Rabbinate and kosher supervision, while also addressing the cost of living. The vote was part of a legislative blitz by the coalition ahead of the July 17 election recess, which also included passing a law freezing the arrest of draft dodgers, approved 58 to 54. This law prompted the resignation of Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel.

Shas leader Aryeh Deri and MK Moshe Gafni celebrated the draft dodger arrest freeze as a victory for Torah scholars, condemning what they called persecution of yeshiva students. Additionally, the Knesset passed the Basic Law: Torah Study with a 63 to 52 vote, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's absence and opposition from outgoing Likud MKs.

The Movement for Quality Government filed a petition to the Supreme Court against the Torah Study law. Coalition negotiations reportedly involved disputes over which bills each faction would advance in the final Knesset session, with Religious Zionist demands to delay the Kashrut discussion as leverage against Shas. Meanwhile, the Finance Committee approved an additional 54.79 million shekels for the socio-economic development of the ultra-Orthodox sector.