Overview
- United Torah Judaism introduced the Basic Law: Torah Study and Shas later backed a similar version that would recognize long-term Torah learners as making a significant contribution to the state.
- Religious Zionist Party leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said his faction would not back any version that equates Torah learners with IDF servicemembers.
- Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs announced the contested clause comparing Torah study to military service will be removed and the revised bill will return to committee before its first reading.
- Shas chairman Aryeh Deri has pressed for a Knesset vote this week and tied the bill’s passage to support for other coalition legislation, creating pressure on the governing bloc.
- The dispute revives the long-running national debate over Haredi military exemptions and could affect coalition stability and the legal status and daily lives of full-time yeshiva students.