Israeli Knesset Rushes to Pass Controversial Bills Before Dissolution

With only 24 hours remaining before the 25th Knesset dissolves, the Israeli coalition is racing to finalize and approve a series of contentious bills. These laws, part of a political agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox parties, include measures to weaken the media, extend mandatory military service, and grant special status to Torah study.

Among the laws already passed are the Basic Law: Torah Study, which recognizes Torah study as a fundamental national value, and a law freezing the arrest of military draft evaders, granting them immunity from prosecution. Both laws have faced petitions to the Israeli High Court of Justice, with the draft evasion law currently suspended pending judicial review. The Knesset also repealed the previous government's kosher certification reform, restoring exclusive authority to the Chief Rabbinate, a move criticized as politically motivated.

Additional legislation passed reduces the powers of the attorney general, allowing the government to appoint outside counsel in High Court cases and placing the attorney general under the justice minister's supervision. This law too faces legal challenges. The Knesset also approved expanding gender-segregated academic programs in higher education, which has been petitioned against.

The coalition plans to pass a sweeping media reform bill before dissolution, which would increase government influence over media ratings, advertising budgets, and ownership rules, potentially favoring outlets close to the government. This bill has triggered multiple petitions and warnings from the Supreme Court president about possible injunctions.

Finally, legislation to extend mandatory military service from 30 to 32 months is awaiting final approval, aimed at addressing IDF manpower shortages. This comes amid ongoing delays in legislation to require ultra-Orthodox enlistment, maintaining broad exemptions for that community.

The legislative blitz reflects the coalition's effort to cement its agenda before the Knesset's term ends, despite significant opposition and pending judicial scrutiny.