Coalition to bypass Knesset legal adviser, move Torah Study Basic Law to Knesset Committee

According to a report by Shachar Glik, the coalition intends to move the Torah Study Basic Law from the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee to the Knesset Committee, at the request of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Religious Zionism is trying to avoid direct involvement with the bill. The Knesset's legal adviser has already objected to the committee switch and is expected to object again; the coalition plans to proceed regardless, the report says.

The coalition's latest move bypasses the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, where the Torah Study Basic Law faced opposition and slower progress, by transferring it to the Knesset Committee — an internal procedural body usually reserved for scheduling and coalition management. The request came from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, as reported by Shachar Glik. The Knesset legal adviser, Sagit Afik, has previously opposed the committee switch and is expected to object again. Religious Zionism, Smotrich's party, is reportedly trying to distance itself from formal involvement in the bill, despite initially seeking control over it. The coalition plans to proceed regardless, setting up another confrontation with legal advisers and the opposition.

As The Zioneer reported, the bill has already passed a preliminary Knesset vote (June 10, 2026) and cleared the Ministerial Committee for Legislation (June 9). Opposition leaders condemned the legislation as harmful to national service and state security. The latest procedural move aims to accelerate the legislative process before the Knesset disperses, but the legal adviser's opposition could still delay the bill.

2 developments

1. 1 hour ago · 22:44 · 21 JunLatest

   Coalition plans to bypass Knesset legal adviser's objection to the committee switch.

2. 22:42 · 21 Jun

   Coalition to move Torah Study Basic Law from Knesset Constitution Committee to Knesset Committee

• Developing10:45 · 9 JunChanges to Torah Study Basic Law being negotiated after preliminary vote
• Developing5 days ago · 12:23 · 16 JunKnesset committee advances Basic Law equating Torah study with IDF service
• Developing19:53 · 9 JunShas and Degel HaTorah Torah Study Basic Law bills diverge in Knesset vote schedule
• Strong16:07 · 10 JunOpposition leaders blast Basic Law on Torah study after preliminary Knesset vote

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