MK Goldknopf Condemns Treatment of Torah Students as Security Threats in Knesset Debate

During a Knesset committee discussion on Tuesday regarding a proposed Basic Law on Torah study, MK Yitzhak Goldknopf of the United Torah Judaism faction sharply criticized the government's approach to yeshiva students. He stated, "If you do not want Torah students to serve in the IDF, you cannot treat them like Nukhba terrorists. Because you study Torah, you will be imprisoned - this has never happened before." His remarks drew opposition heckling from members of other parties.

The debate focused on a security service bill aimed at integrating yeshiva students into the military. MK Moshe Solomon of the Religious Zionist Party addressed the bill's sponsor, MK Boaz Bismuth of Likud, warning that the law, described as an "artery blocker," could cause "necrosis." Solomon said he initially supported a limited version of the bill addressing arrests but found numerous flaws after reviewing the full text. He criticized the law for lacking requirements such as prohibiting simultaneous employment alongside yeshiva study and called on the Knesset chairman and coalition members to halt progress on the legislation until after the elections.

MK Naor Shiri of Yesh Atid also challenged Goldknopf's comments during the session. The discussion highlighted deep divisions over the military service exemption for Torah students and the government's efforts to enforce conscription, which remains a contentious issue in Israeli politics.