During a Knesset committee discussion on the Basic Law: Torah Study, a combat casualty (halom krav) confronted MK Yitzhak Goldknopf (Degel HaTorah), asking whether Goldknopf sees him as a 'supreme value' after saying he fought 25 years for the Torah. The exchange, captured on video, highlights the societal divide over the relative value of Torah study and military service, The Zioneer reports.
During a Knesset committee meeting on the Basic Law: Torah Study this morning, a combat casualty confronted MK Yitzhak Goldknopf (Degel HaTorah), asking him: 'Do you see me as a supreme value?' The unidentified man said he had fought for 25 years for the Torah, echoing Goldknopf's own statement. The exchange, captured on video, is the latest in a series of disruptions in the same session.
Earlier, at 11:32 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported three incidents. First, a lawmaker with PTSD shouted at lawmakers; the protester was later identified as combat veteran Yosi Sahardi. Then, combat veteran Eli Hirshman testified: 'Every day, all day, blood is spilled — you created cartridges here.' Journalist Daphna Liel (Channel 12) reported that fighters are applying 'immense pressure' to have IDF service defined as a supreme value, warning that otherwise the legal status of fighters and Torah learners would remain the same.
The Basic Law has been controversial. As The Zioneer reported on Sunday, MK Itzik Saidian (Likud) said the greatest amendment needed is to prioritize those who serve as a supreme value. MK Naama Lazimi (The Democrats) called the bill a 'reward for draft-dodgers' during its first reading last week, which passed amid controversy. Supporters, including MK Moshe Gafni (Degel HaTorah), framed it as restoring Torah honor.
The committee discussions are expected to continue as the bill advances toward its second and third readings. The question of whether the law will include a definition of IDF service as a 'supreme value' remains unresolved.
5 developments
- DevelopingMK Itzik Saidian: 'Place the one who went to battle as a supreme value' in Torah Study Basic Law
- DevelopingGoldknopf draws fire for 'Nukhba' Torah study comparison
- DevelopingKnesset Committee erupts in heated debate over Torah Study Basic Law and draft crisis
- StrongGafni demands binding commitment from Knesset Committee before Torah Study Basic Law vote
Source and signal
- Internal intake