Outcry in Religious Zionism party over MK Solomon’s vote

Dozens of angry responses were posted in the Religious Zionism party’s internal central committee groups after MK Moshe Solomon, a member of the party, voted against the Basic Law on Torah study, which passed the Knesset in a preliminary reading, without informing his party colleagues in advance. Party members expressed anger and embarrassment over Solomon’s vote against the value of Torah study. According to party members, the move gave a sense of betrayal and lack of factional discipline, and it cannot pass in silence.

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 would vote against it. This is unacceptable, and there will be consequences for the way he conducts himself,” said a party source, noting that last night the faction decided to vote in favor of the Basic Law on Torah study proposal. One member of the party’s central committee wrote in the internal groups, “How can it be that an MK from Religious Zionism votes against Torah study. Embarrassing.”

Party sources are speaking about the possibility of sanctions. Party chairman, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has so far not addressed the incident and is keeping silent. In a response he published, Solomon explained his position: “The current wording compares someone who studies Torah to someone serving in the army. In such wording, which constitutes a desecration of God’s name and harms the entire Religious Zionist world of Torah, I cannot support it.” Solomon stressed that the value of Torah study is so clear that it does not need to be anchored in legislation, but added that “complete Torah study is one that combines practical life and security,” and quoted the Mishnah in Avot: “Any Torah that is not accompanied by labor, in the end is futile and leads to sin.” Solomon clarified that when the bill comes up for a first reading, he will examine the changes made and decide accordingly.

Yesterday, the Religious Zionism faction announced that it would not allow a bill to advance that would place those who avoid military service on the same level, in status and conditions, as those who serve in the IDF. The faction will support only a bill that enshrines Torah study as a foundational value without comparing yeshiva students to IDF soldiers.