MKs Sharren Haskel (National Unity), Moshe Solomon (Likud), Dan Illouz (Likud), Yuli Edelstein (National Unity), and Avi Maoz (Noam) have announced they will vote against the coalition's Torah Study Basic Law, according to Israel Hayom. The bill, which would enshrine exemptions from military service for yeshiva students, faces a widening revolt from within the coalition.
Five members of the governing coalition have announced they will vote against the Torah Study Basic Law when it comes before the Knesset plenum, according to Israel Hayom. The list includes MKs Sharren Haskel (National Unity), Moshe Solomon (Likud), Dan Illouz (Likud), Yuli Edelstein (National Unity), and Avi Maoz (Noam).
The Torah Study Basic Law would codify the principle that Torah study is equivalent to national service, effectively enshrining exemptions from mandatory military service for yeshiva students. The legislation has been a major flashpoint within the coalition, with previous votes seeing Haredi parties absent themselves and Likud MKs openly breaking ranks.
MK Illouz had previously called the bill "a desecration of God's name" and "a spit in the face of the serving public," while MK Haskel announced her opposition earlier Tuesday, citing harm to national security and equality. MK Maoz's opposition adds to the revolt; he had been expected to possibly skip the vote in protest over delays to his Western Wall bill, but has now committed to voting against.
It remains unclear whether the coalition will have enough votes to pass the bill given the defections. The bill's passage or failure would mark a significant test for the government's stability.
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