The Israeli Knesset passed a contentious piece of legislation on Monday that enshrines Torah study as a fundamental value within the country’s Basic Law. The bill, which cleared its final readings with a vote of 63 to 52, was advanced by ultra-Orthodox (haredi) parties following weeks of coalition pressure. Critics and opposition leaders have warned that the law could undermine military recruitment efforts during a period of severe manpower shortages for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Legislative Context and Content
Israel lacks a formal constitution, relying instead on a series of Basic Laws that carry high legal status. This new legislation explicitly states that “Torah study is a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and in the State of Israel.” According to the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), the elevation of Torah study to constitutional status may be utilized as a future legal basis to justify exemptions for haredi individuals from IDF service. The IDI further warned that the law could be used to protect ongoing state funding for yeshivas and subsidies for haredi draft evaders, as well as education institutions that do not teach the core curriculum.
The bill underwent several revisions during the legislative process. Earlier versions included language that sought to “create a balance” regarding the value of Torah study and attempted to equate those studying Torah with those serving in the military. These clauses were removed following legal warnings and coalition negotiations.
Military Manpower and Political Opposition
The passage of the bill occurs amid a persistent manpower crisis for the IDF. In March, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that the military could face collapse without a resolution to its personnel needs. In April, the High Court of Justice ordered the state to move toward criminal enforcement and the revocation of financial benefits for draft evaders.
Opposition leaders have sharply criticized the coalition for prioritizing this legislation during wartime. A group of opposition heads, including Yair Lapid, signed a letter calling on coalition members to reject the bill, arguing it would “severely harm the IDF.” Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the government’s actions as a “deliberate and conscious blow to the IDF.” Yisrael Beytenu leader Avidgor Liberman stated his intention to repeal the law in the next government.
Implications for the Upcoming Election
The Torah study bill is part of a broader legislative blitz occurring in the final week of the Knesset session before it enters recess ahead of the October 27 elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the plenum for the final vote, a move that drew criticism from Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot, who labeled the prime minister a “coward.”
A separate piece of legislation intended to temporarily freeze the arrest of haredi draft evaders is currently moving through the Knesset. Despite warnings from Chief of Staff Zamir that this measure would create serious security risks and hinder recruitment, the bill is scheduled for final readings following marathon committee sessions. Opposition leaders have vowed that the law will be subject to repeal following the national vote.
