Arab MKs are considering skipping today's Knesset vote on the Torah Study Basic Law, according to Amit Segal (N12). A boycott would further destabilize the coalition's already-tenuous majority for the bill, which failed in earlier votes amid internal opposition and absent Haredi factions.
Arab MKs are considering boycotting today's Knesset vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study, according to journalist Amit Segal (N12). The bill, which would constitutionally enshrine exemptions from military service for yeshiva students, has already failed in previous plenum votes earlier this week when Shas and United Torah Judaism absented themselves and several coalition MKs voted against. The coalition holds a narrow majority, and a boycott by the Arab factions—who are generally opposed to the bill—could deny it the required 61-vote threshold even if coalition discipline holds among its remaining members.
As The Zioneer reported on Tuesday, MKs Avi Maoz (Noam), Yuli Edelstein (National Unity), and Dan Illouz (Likud) announced they would vote against the bill; Maoz's opposition was part of a protest over the delayed Western Wall bill. Haredi factions Shas and UTJ missed the initial vote, citing procedural concerns. The Arab factions' potential boycott adds a further layer of uncertainty to what has become a persistent challenge for the coalition's legislative agenda.
No final decision has been reported, and it remains unclear whether all Arab MKs will coordinate their attendance or absence. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday.
- DevelopingMK Avi Maoz may skip Knesset vote on Torah Study Basic Law in protest over Western Wall bill
- DevelopingTorah Study Basic Law fails in Knesset vote as Shas and UTJ absent themselves
- DevelopingShas and Degel HaTorah Torah Study Basic Law bills diverge in Knesset vote schedule
- DevelopingEdelstein and Illouz vote against Torah Study Basic Law
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