The Arab parties reached a deal with the Haredi coalition factions to abstain from the Knesset vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study, in exchange for a commitment to scuttle MK Itamar Ben Gvir's muezzin bill, according to a report by Dafna Liel (Yedioth Ahronoth). The arrangement ensured that the Basic Law passed without Arab opposition, while the muezzin bill — which would restrict mosque call-to-prayer broadcasts — would be blocked from advancing.
According to journalist Dafna Liel of Yedioth Ahronoth, the Arab party factions coordinated with the Haredi parties to stay away from the Knesset plenum during the vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study earlier today. In return, the Haredi coalition partners reportedly committed to ensuring that MK Itamar Ben Gvir's muezzin bill — which would restrict the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer — would be blocked from further legislative advancement. The Basic Law: Torah Study passed a preliminary Knesset vote 56-43 earlier this morning, as The Zioneer reported. The law, which enshrines Torah study as a fundamental value and equates it with military service, has been a core demand of the Haredi parties in the current coalition. The muezzin bill has long been a flashpoint between Ben Gvir's Religious Zionism party and the Arab factions. Liel's report is the sole account of the alleged deal; no official confirmation from either party has been issued.
2 developments
- StrongMK Elazar Stern attacks Arab-Haredi deal on Basic Law: Torah Study
- StrongLapid and Tibi filmed chatting before Basic Law vote, opposition accused Arab parties of Haredi deal
- DevelopingEdelstein and Illouz vote against Torah Study Basic Law
- DevelopingJournalist Amichai Attali slams Basic Law: Torah Study as anti-Zionist after preliminary vote
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