Israeli Parliament Passes Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Political Deal with Ultra-Orthodox Parties

The Israeli Knesset approved the Basic Law on Torah Study in a first reading on Wednesday, passing it by a vote of 63 to 53. The legislation was part of a political deal between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and the ultra-Orthodox factions, who demanded Netanyahu's presence and vote to secure a majority of at least 61 votes. Netanyahu arrived at the Knesset specifically for the vote, interrupting his attendance at the Maccabiah Games opening ceremony.

The law aims to constitutionally enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel, providing legal protection to yeshiva students amid ongoing disputes over ultra-Orthodox military conscription. The ultra-Orthodox parties view the law as restoring respect to Torah study and counterbalancing the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, which has been used to challenge exemptions from military service. The original draft equated Torah study with military service, but this comparison was removed following public backlash.

The vote was contentious, with opposition from some Likud members including Dan Illouz and Yuli Edelstein, as well as Sharon Haskel (National Right) and Moshe Solomon (Religious Zionism). Labor MK Naama Lazimi was removed from the chamber during the vote. Opposition figures such as former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned the law, calling it a political maneuver that undermines national security and equality. Critics also included former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot and organizations representing reservists, who argued the law disrespects those serving in the military.

The political deal also includes advancing laws preventing arrests of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox individuals and kosher certification regulations, in exchange for ultra-Orthodox support on sensitive issues like investigating the October 7 attacks and judicial reforms. Ultra-Orthodox leaders such as Moshe Gafni and Meir Porush praised the law as a vital step to honor Torah study, while opposition voices warned it threatens the principle of equal burden-sharing in Israeli society.

The law's passage marks a significant milestone in the coalition's efforts to solidify ultra-Orthodox interests legislatively, amid ongoing debates over military conscription and the role of religion in the state.