Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz presented the Basic Law: Torah Study in the Knesset plenum on Monday, stating that the proposal defines Torah study as a fundamental value of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Katz addressed the opposition, saying he does not understand the fuss and opposition to the bill.
Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz presented the Basic Law: Torah Study in the Knesset plenum on Monday afternoon, framing the proposal as enshrining a fundamental value of the Jewish people. The bill, which would equate Torah study with national service in legal status, has been a flashpoint in coalition politics for weeks.
Earlier this month, Katz had signaled that Likud may submit reservations to the bill's wording, raising the possibility of its collapse if the Haredi parties did not compromise, as The Zioneer reported on July 8. The bill passed a preliminary Knesset vote in June, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and even some coalition members, including MK Moshe Solomon (Religious Zionism), who voted against it.
The bill's path to final passage remains uncertain. Katz's presentation in the plenum is a procedural step toward the first reading, but the coalition has yet to secure a unified stance on the final text. Opposition leaders, including Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beiteinu, have vowed to oppose the legislation.
2 developments
- DevelopingCoalition Chairman Katz: Knesset Committee Weighing Alternatives to Torah Study Basic Law Wording
- StrongCoalition Chairman Katz: Likud may submit reservations to Torah Study Basic Law
- StrongKnesset Committee approves Basic Law: Torah Study; coalition races ahead of election recess
- StrongGafni presents Basic Law: Torah Study at Knesset Committee, says Torah preserved the Jewish people
Source and signal
- Internal intake