Israeli Parliament Approves Controversial Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Sharp Political Backlash

On Monday evening, the Israeli Knesset approved the Basic Law: Torah Study in its second and third readings, with 63 members voting in favor and 52 against. The law declares Torah study as a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. While coalition members welcomed the legislation, opposition voices strongly criticized it.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, condemned the law as a betrayal of IDF soldiers and a threat to national security, calling the coalition a "draft-dodging coalition" selling out the state’s core values. He pledged to repeal the law in the next government and strengthen the military and its servicemembers. Naftali Bennett, head of the "Together" party, labeled the law a disgrace to Torah and accused the current government of being the most anti-Zionist in Israel’s history, deliberately harming the IDF during the ongoing conflict.

Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats, issued a sharp message to Minister Aryeh Deri, stating that the military draft order would be issued on October 28. Yoaz Hendel and Hillel Tropper, chairmen of the "Reservists" faction, criticized the Knesset for protecting draft dodgers instead of soldiers and vowed to repeal the law and promote legislation that honors both military service and Torah study.

Benny Gantz, head of the Blue and White party, offered a more moderate response, emphasizing that Torah study should be voluntary and motivated by love of the Torah. He acknowledged the law’s negative impact on Israel’s security and the dignity of Torah learners, highlighting the tension between supporting Torah study and maintaining military readiness.

The law’s passage comes amid heightened tensions over military service exemptions and national security concerns during an ongoing conflict, with political leaders sharply divided over the balance between religious study and military obligations.