Israeli Knesset Advances Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Coalition Disputes

The Israeli Knesset is set to vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study for its second and third readings on Monday evening, following a series of coalition disputes. The law declares Torah study as a fundamental value in Jewish heritage and the State of Israel. A significant amendment was made over the weekend, removing a clause that equated Torah study with other basic state values to avoid practical legal complications.

This softening of the bill faced strong opposition from Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah faction, who communicated to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United Torah Judaism alliance would not accept any changes to the original wording. However, Degel HaTorah and Shas later issued a joint statement denying any retreat, clarifying that they rejected additional clauses proposed by Netanyahu and Likud, insisting that any other provisions should be legislated separately and not within the Basic Law on Torah Study.

Despite initial tensions, the factions agreed that the law would retain its core clause affirming Torah study as a foundational value in Jewish heritage and Israel. This principle was described as the heart of the legislation and the main reason for its introduction.

In addition to the Basic Law on Torah Study, the Knesset is expected to vote later this week on other controversial bills, including the freezing of arrests of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox men, which was approved by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, and a bill to split the role of the Attorney General, which has undergone revisions ahead of its upcoming readings. The coalition also plans to advance legislation to repeal the kosher certification reform initiated by former Minister Matan Kahana, a move led by MK Ohad Tal of the Religious Zionism party, aimed at restoring the monopoly on kosher supervision.