ByKESHET NEEV

JUNE 10, 2026 14:39

Updated: JUNE 10, 2026 16:25

The Knesset approved in a first reading on Wednesday legislation that would embed Torah study within Basic Law, advancing a haredi-backed initiative designed to support draft avoidance and preserve state support for yeshiva students who skip military duty.

The bill cleared with 56 votes in support and 43 opposed. Sponsored by MK Moshe Gafni of United Torah Judaism and backed by the government, it now moves to the House Committee for further discussion and still needs three additional readings before enactment.

Shas backed the proposal and had tried earlier in the week to promote parallel text under the same title that included disputed language equating rights for IDF personnel with those for haredim who avoid service. The wording drew sharp criticism from coalition and opposition members on Monday while the army faces acute personnel shortages.

Shas chairman Arye Deri pressed for progress on the measure and indicated on Monday that its advancement was required for his party to participate in coalition votes.

The Religious Zionist Party, headed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, announced on Tuesday it would reject any text granting equal rights to serving soldiers and those who evade conscription.

The disputed phrasing was later dropped, yet embedding Torah study in Basic Law would still carry broad consequences for the standing of haredim who do not enlist.

Who opposed the Torah Study measure?

Most Religious Zionist MKs backed the bill, though MK Moshe Solomon voted against it.

Likud members MK Dan Illouz and MK Yuli Edelstein also opposed the legislation.

Arab party lawmakers stayed away from the vote following an arrangement with Gafni intended to secure passage.

MK Ahmad Tibi of Hadash-Ta’al and fellow Arab legislators returned to the chamber after the tally concluded.

Yisrael Beytenu chief MK Avigdor Liberman condemned the reported pact, declaring that the improper partnership between Arab and haredi MKs persists.

Anyone counting on a Zionist government involving Arab or ultra-Orthodox factions is indulging in an anti-Zionist illusion, he stated.

Gafni’s bill seeks to place Torah study in Basic Law as a core element of Jewish heritage.

It would have the State of Israel recognize long-term Torah scholars as delivering important service to the country and the Jewish people.

Current Basic Law language would facilitate granting benefits to haredi men who avoid service.

Haredi leaders have pressed the coalition for laws that avoid raising enlistment rates. The IDF has highlighted urgent staffing shortfalls after more than two years of conflict.

What is the current status of haredi conscription?

In March, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that the military could soon falter without a manpower solution.

The legislative push follows an April High Court ruling directing the state to cut financial support for draft evaders and pursue criminal measures against haredi men who do not serve.

The Movement for Quality Government denounced the bill’s progress, accusing the coalition of rushing last-minute laws before elections solely to protect draft avoidance.

The group noted that the Torah Study Basic Law is meant to counter Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty.

It would circumvent equality standards and shield benefits from service requirements just as financial penalties begin to boost haredi recruitment, the organization stated.

Gafni told the plenum that Torah study is a foundational value and recalled that children and young men studied Torah even during the Holocaust.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid countered that Holocaust-era Torah students did not receive stipends.

In the Warsaw Ghetto, Jews took up arms for the Jewish people, Lapid said, noting his father was there because no Israeli army existed.

This bill has nothing to do with Torah study, he argued; it is about funding draft evasion and money, not learning.

Liberman pledged that after the next elections all draft-evasion Basic Laws would be repealed without remainder.

The Torah Study Basic Law is reportedly tied to a reported agreement between Netanyahu and haredi parties ahead of a Knesset dissolution vote.

The reported pact would shift elections to October 20 instead of September, granting haredi parties advancement on the Torah Study Basic Law, daycare subsidies, and kashrut reform, according to Channel 12.

Shas and UTJ lawmakers told the House Committee last week they preferred September elections before the High Holy Days to improve turnout among their voters.

Netanyahu reportedly favors late October to allow more time for legislation and military objectives.

Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot called the trade of extra weeks in power for the Torah Study Basic Law a hallmark of a disconnected and irresponsible government.

Rather than bolstering the IDF during full-scale war, the government weakens the state, he said, vowing to replace it. Elections must occur by October 27 at latest.