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Israeli Parliament Approves Basic Law on Torah Study Amid Fierce Political Backlash
The Israeli Knesset passed a Basic Law on Torah Study on July 1, 2026, protecting Torah students from military service exemptions.
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What happened
- 01Knesset approved Basic Law on Torah Study by 63-53 votes, protecting Torah students from conscription.
- 02Opposition calls the law a threat to national security and accuses Netanyahu of prioritizing politics over military.
- 03Avigdor Lieberman brands the law a 'desecration' and a 'mark of Cain' linked to the October 7 massacre coalition.
- 04Ultra-Orthodox parties hail the law as a historic correction restoring respect for Torah study.
- 05Opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Yair Golan, vow to repeal the law and promote ultra-Orthodox enlistment.
- 06The law intensifies societal divisions over military exemptions and religious status in Israel.
The law sparked fierce criticism from opposition leaders who see it as undermining national security, while ultra-Orthodox parties praised it as a historic recognition of Torah’s importance. The controversy highlights deep societal divisions over military conscription and religious status in Israel.
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12 newsrooms on this story
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- LeftNone
- Centre5
- Right3
- Haredi2
- ArabNone
- Other2
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