Smotrich Removes Solomon from Knesset Committees After Vote Against Torah Study Bill

Minister Bezalel Smotrich removed MK Moshe Solomon from all Knesset committees in which he serves on behalf of the faction, after Solomon voted against the Basic Law on Torah study. The chairman of the Religious Zionism Party, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, removed MK Moshe Solomon from all Knesset committees in which he serves on behalf of the faction after he voted against the Basic Law on Torah study.

According to Smotrich, the move was made “out of the understanding that someone who is not committed to the faction’s decisions and does not act with transparency and integrity with his colleagues cannot represent its position in the Knesset committees.” In the faction’s statement it said, “On Monday, the Religious Zionism faction held a meeting in which the faction’s position regarding the bill was discussed. At the end of the discussion, a clear decision was reached, agreed upon by all faction members, including MK Moshe Solomon, to make the removal of the comparison between Torah learners and military service members a condition for supporting the bill. Accordingly, the faction’s demand was presented to the coalition, and it was accepted. The bill was amended in line with the Religious Zionism party’s position, and the condition set by the faction was approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation. MK Solomon was aware of and involved in the entire process and at no stage raised any objection or intention to vote against. Nevertheless, MK Moshe Solomon chose to act on his own initiative, contrary to the faction’s decision. He did not inform his colleagues in advance that he intended to vote against, and surprised all faction members with his conduct, thereby seriously damaging their trust in him,” the faction added.

They also noted that “such behavior is not acceptable and cannot be allowed within proper faction work, which is based on shared responsibility, trust and faction discipline. MK Solomon was supposed to vote according to the faction’s position, or at the very least notify the party chairman or the faction chairman in advance of his intention to vote against and coordinate the move with them.”

MK Solomon responded: “I cannot be false to myself. I cannot look into the eyes of the bereaved families from our sector, Religious Zionism, and vote in favor of a bill that says there is no need to combine Torah study and military service. When I accompanied dozens of yeshiva students and graduates of hesder yeshivas, higher yeshivas and preparatory programs to burials throughout the war, I promised myself that I would not lend a hand to such a moral and eternal injustice. If this is the price I have to pay, then this will be the price.”

In internal party center groups, dozens of angry responses were posted about the fact that an MK from Religious Zionism voted against the value of Torah study. According to party members, this reflects a sense of betrayal and a lack of factional discipline, and it cannot be ignored. The criticism is focused mainly on the lack of coordination, Solomon did not update any party official before the vote. “At the very least, Solomon should have informed us or said he was going to vote against. It is unacceptable and there will be consequences for his conduct,” said a party source, noting that last night the faction decided to vote in favor of the Basic Law on Torah study bill. One of the party’s central committee members wrote in the internal groups, “How can it be that an MK from Religious Zionism votes against Torah study? Embarrassing.”

In a statement he published, Solomon explained his position: “The current wording compares someone who studies Torah to a soldier serving in the army. In such wording, which constitutes a desecration of God’s name and harms the entire religious Zionist Torah world, I cannot support it.” Solomon stressed that the value of Torah study is so clear that it does not need to be enshrined in legislation, but added that “complete Torah study is one that combines practical life and security,” and cited the Mishnah in Avot: “Any Torah that is not accompanied by work, in the end will cease and lead to sin.” Solomon clarified that when the bill comes up for first reading, he will examine the changes made and decide accordingly.