Israeli Parliament Passes Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Fierce Opposition

The Israeli Knesset approved a new Basic Law on Torah Study on Monday evening, a move that has sparked intense political controversy. The law, initiated by Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah party, establishes Torah study as a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. This marks the first time Torah study has been enshrined as a Basic Law in Israel's legal framework.

Supporters from the coalition hailed the legislation as a historic step that reconnects the state with the eternal values of the Jewish people. Gafni described Torah study as the force that preserved the Jewish people for thousands of years, while coalition member Yaakov Asher emphasized its central role in the Haredi community's way of life.

However, opposition members vehemently condemned the law. Naftali Bennett, leader of the "Together" party, labeled the government as the most anti-Zionist in history, accusing it of deliberately undermining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He pledged that the next government would repeal what he called "laws of chaos." Other opposition MKs, including Efrat Rayten and Avigdor Lieberman, criticized the law as a betrayal of IDF soldiers and a disgrace to the state. Lieberman accused the coalition of conducting a "fire sale" of the country, while Gilad Kariv called the law morally and politically corrupt.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not participate in the vote. The law passed with 63 votes in favor and 52 against. Notably, Likud MKs Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz voted against the bill. The opposition vowed to work towards repealing the law once they regain power, framing it as a threat to national unity and military service values.

The passage of this law has intensified political divisions, with coalition members celebrating a reaffirmation of Jewish tradition and opposition members warning of damage to Israel's security and social fabric.