Israeli Knesset Committee Approves Basic Law on Torah Study Ahead of First Reading

The Knesset Committee approved the Basic Law on Torah Study on Tuesday, with ten members voting in favor and four against. The proposal now moves to the Knesset plenum for its first reading, scheduled for the following day. The law aims to address the status of Torah study in Israeli society, particularly concerning the ultra-Orthodox community, but it has faced criticism regarding its clarity and purpose.

Avital Sompolinsky, Deputy Legal Advisor to the Knesset, opposed the bill during the committee discussion, arguing that the committee failed to clarify the law's objectives. She noted that the bill stems from a perception that the ultra-Orthodox community's role in Israeli society is unbalanced, raising complex questions about rights and obligations that the law does not adequately address.

During the debate, Itzhak Goldknopf, a Knesset member from the United Torah Judaism faction, defended the bill, emphasizing that Torah scholars should not be treated like criminals for avoiding military service. His remarks sparked opposition from other Knesset members, including Naor Shiri of the Yesh Atid party, who challenged his statements.

The bill's progress occurs amid ongoing coalition negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties. Until the law passes the full Knesset, the ultra-Orthodox factions continue to boycott the coalition, which recently led to the failure of the Red Cross law in the Knesset plenum due to their absence.