Gafni after Knesset approves Torah Study Basic Law in first reading: 'Jewish state restores Torah honor'

MK Moshe Gafni (Degel HaTorah) said after the Knesset's first-reading approval of the Basic Law: Torah Study, 'The state of the Jewish people is restoring the honor of Torah to its proper place.' The bill passed Wednesday evening with 63-53, as reported by N12.

The Knesset's first-reading approval of Basic Law: Torah Study, 63-53, drew a response from MK Moshe Gafni (Degel HaTorah), who told N12: 'The state of the Jewish people is restoring the honor of Torah to its proper place.' Gafni, who had presented the bill at a Knesset committee session on Sunday (as The Zioneer reported, Sun 10:54 Jerusalem), praised the vote Wednesday evening as restoring the Torah's honor. The vote passed along coalition-opposition lines, with MKs Solomon, Haskel, and Edelstein voting against, as The Zioneer reported earlier Wednesday evening (Wed 22:18 Jerusalem). Opposition leader Naftali Bennett said he would cancel the law immediately when his party returns to government (Wed 22:18 Jerusalem).

The bill now advances to committee review before second and third readings. The Sunday committee presentation, where Gafni stated Torah study has preserved the Jewish people throughout history, was reported by journalist Daphna Liel (N12). The vote itself was first reported by multiple Israeli newsrooms, including N12.

The Basic Law: Torah Study is one of several bills the coalition has advanced in recent weeks, including the National Cyber Defense Bill which passed a first reading earlier this month (Tue Jun 9, 14:19 Jerusalem). Zioneer context also notes a separate daycare law advanced by the Finance Committee (Tue Jun 9, 15:35 Jerusalem).

No vote totals or further committee dates have been published for the next readings.

5 developments

1. 4 hours ago · 22:33 · 1 JulLatest

   The bill passed with a vote of 63-53 in the first reading.

2. 22:32 · 1 Jul

   MK Moshe Gafni praised the vote, stating it restores the Torah's honor.

3. 22:22 · 1 Jul

   Passed 63-53; Naftali Bennett vows to cancel the law if elected.

• Strongyesterday · 15:22 · 30 JunKnesset Committee approves Basic Law: Torah Study; coalition races ahead of election recess
• Developing16:19 · 10 JunKnesset advances Basic Law equating Torah study with IDF service
• Strong13:46 · 9 JunMinisterial committee approves Basic Law: Torah Study; Haredi parties call it merely declarative without equal-status clause
• Strong14:02 · 22 JunKnesset Committee approves transfer of Torah Study Basic Law; legal adviser opposes

Source and signal

• Internal intake