The Degel HaTorah newspaper Yated Ne'eman reports that the party may block coalition legislation if changes are made to the Torah Study Basic Law. Shas's newspaper Derch sharply criticizes Likud for attempting to retreat from agreements, warning that such a breach would be ingratitude toward the most loyal partners and undermine the faith-based bloc. The statements reflect the Haredi parties' hardening stance ahead of Knesset proceedings.
The coalition's internal tensions over the Torah Study Basic Law escalated Thursday morning as the two main Haredi parties publicly signaled they would oppose any changes to the current wording. The Degel HaTorah newspaper Yated Ne'eman reported that the party may block all coalition legislation if the wording is altered, while Shas's newspaper Derch accused Likud of attempting to renege on prior agreements. Derch warned that breaching the understandings would be 'ingratitude' toward the 'most loyal partners' and would 'undermine the foundations of the faith-based bloc.'
As The Zioneer has reported, the Torah Study Basic Law has been a central point of contention in the coalition. The bill would enshrine the primacy of Torah study and grant exemptions from military service to yeshiva students. Several Likud MKs have expressed reservations, and the Haredi parties have made its passage a condition for supporting other coalition legislation. Wednesday, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz said Likud may submit reservations to the bill, prompting the Haredi backlash. The hardening of positions suggests that the coalition may face a legislative crisis unless a compromise is reached.
3 developments
- DevelopingDegel HaTorah Opposes Changes to Torah Study Basic Law, Warns Coalition Legislation May Be Blocked
- StrongCoalition Chairman Katz: Likud may submit reservations to Torah Study Basic Law
- StrongDeri attacks Likud, says Arab MKs value Torah more than some coalition lawmakers
- StrongShas leader Deri demands Torah Study Basic Law vote as condition for coalition support
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Internal intake