Israeli Coalition Finalizes Deal with Ultra-Orthodox Parties in Last Knesset Session Before Elections

The Israeli Knesset entered its final 24 hours of the summer session and the 25th Knesset's term on Thursday, concluding a dramatic week of legislative activity aimed at cementing agreements between the coalition and ultra-Orthodox parties ahead of upcoming elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached a deal with the ultra-Orthodox factions that resulted in several significant legislative moves. Among these, the ultra-Orthodox parties passed a Basic Law on Torah Study, a temporary order freezing the arrest of draft-dodgers, and repealed the kosher certification reform introduced by Minister Matan Kahana, which had opened the kosher market to competition; control now returns to the Chief Rabbinate.

On the coalition side, the first reading of a bill to establish a parliamentary investigative committee, proposed by MK Ariel Kallner, was advanced, alongside a contentious law limiting the powers of the Attorney General, which passed after heated debate. Overnight, two additional laws were approved: one supporting combat veterans following their criticism during committee discussions on the Torah Study law, and another mandating gender segregation in advanced academic degrees, a move that sparked controversy.

The coalition also pushed forward the Communications Law proposed by Minister Shlomo Karhi, which was softened significantly after ultra-Orthodox parties demanded removal of a clause that would have allowed free public access to paid broadcast content, citing concerns over Sabbath desecration and exposure to pornographic material. The last week was marked by sharp confrontations in the plenum, including Netanyahu leaving the chamber amid opposition jeers during the draft-freeze law debate, ultimately abstaining from the vote despite his presence.

Behind the scenes, political drama unfolded as the ultra-Orthodox Degel HaTorah faction, led by Moshe Gafni, refused to vote with the coalition until Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich committed to approving budget decisions for ultra-Orthodox kindergarten funding. After Netanyahu's assurance, the ultra-Orthodox MKs returned to support the coalition, enabling the legislative package's completion. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court issued an injunction against the draft-freeze order, drawing internal criticism toward Shas leader Aryeh Deri, who had strongly advocated for it.

The government also passed several decisions just before the election period officially begins. The Knesset is expected to conclude its term by 2 p.m. on July 17, possibly ending tonight after final votes. This will mark the close of one of the most intense and contentious Knesset sessions in recent memory.