Torah study

The Knesset passed a contentious Basic Law declaring Torah study a constitutional value. The measure, backed by the Haredi community, is part of a coalition agreement that includes support for an October 7 probe and an AG bill.

The coalition aims to pass several controversial bills in the final week before the Knesset dissolves, including legislation declaring Torah study a 'foundational value' and banning arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders. A bill establishing a political probe into events of October 7 remains uncertain to pass in time.

Haredi parties back down as a bill advancing in a 6-4 committee vote will not equate Torah study with IDF service under the Basic Law. Combat veterans with PTSD interrupted the hearing, accusing politicians of exploiting them for political gain.

IDF veteran Itzik Saidyan, who self-immolated, urges the Knesset to prioritize combat soldiers over declaring Torah study a foundational value in a Basic Law. He argues the highest priority should be given to soldiers 'who go into battle... who feel forgotten.'

A Knesset panel is advancing a measure to freeze arrests of Haredi draft evaders for 90 days. The proposal, announced by the foreign and defense panel chair, aims to address the Haredi boycott of the coalition, while the opposition criticizes it for equating Torah study with IDF service.

Israeli lawmakers advanced a bill to exempt most ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military conscription despite opposition. The bill, supported by ultra-Orthodox parties, aims to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value and requires a constitutional-level Basic Law. The government backed the bill but sought removal of comparisons between Torah students and military service.

A proposed Basic Law equating Torah study with national service could have significant implications. Nations previously allied with Israel are sanctioning its ministers, according to the article.