Israeli Parliament Reverses 2021 Kashrut Reform, Restores State Control

The Israeli Knesset overnight approved the final repeal of the 2021 kashrut reform initiated by former Minister Matan Kahana, which had allowed private entities to issue kosher certification independently. The vote passed narrowly with 46 in favor and 41 opposed, ending the privatization of kosher supervision and returning full authority to state religious bodies.

Under the new law, only the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, authorized local rabbis, and the military rabbinate for IDF facilities may grant kosher certificates. The legislation also introduces measures to sever direct financial ties between kosher supervisors and businesses, aiming to eliminate conflicts of interest and commercial pressures.

Supporters, including the Chief Rabbinate and Shas party leader Aryeh Deri, hailed the move as restoring the integrity and objectivity of kosher supervision, emphasizing its status as a national responsibility rather than a commercial enterprise. Deri referenced Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's lifelong efforts to strengthen the Chief Rabbinate's role.

Opposition lawmakers criticized the repeal as damaging free competition and potentially raising food prices for consumers. The law marks a significant religious and political victory for the coalition government, reversing the previous administration's deregulation of kosher certification.

The reform officially takes effect immediately, consolidating kosher certification authority under state religious institutions and tightening oversight standards.