The Haredi parties are urging the coalition to vote on the bill freezing arrests of draft-dodging yeshiva students immediately after the Torah Study Basic Law passes tonight, according to N12 journalist Eli Hirsman. The move comes amid concerns that Religious Zionism, having secured its own legislative priorities, may not support the amnesty bill, potentially jeopardizing its passage.
Tonight, the Haredi parties are demanding an immediate vote on the bill freezing arrests of draft-dodging yeshiva students, immediately after the Torah Study Basic Law passes, according to N12 journalist Eli Hirsman. The demand, reported at 15:13 Jerusalem, reflects concern that Religious Zionism, having secured its own legislative priorities, may not support the amnesty bill, potentially leaving the Haredi bloc without the necessary majority.
The Zioneer reported earlier today at 10:31 that the Haredi parties were advancing the Torah Study Basic Law to provide legal cover against expected petitions. The broader legislative package was agreed upon in June, with coalition leaders pledging to pass both laws before the Knesset disperses, as The Zioneer reported on June 16. On July 9, Likud pushed a last-minute reservation to protect IDF servicemembers, causing a coalition crisis. The Haredi bloc had hardened its stance in late June, with United Torah Judaism joining Shas in blocking all coalition legislation until the two bills pass, as reported on June 29.
The Zioneer has also reported on related developments: on June 25, details emerged on the immunity from arrest for draft evaders; on July 1, Haredi parties pressed Prime Minister Netanyahu to bring the Torah Study vote to the plenum; and on July 8, opposition lawmakers demanded an investigation into Haredi MKs' conflict of interest on the draft-evasion bill.
The outcome remains uncertain. The demand is based on a single source, and the final schedule depends on coalition discipline and the position of Religious Zionism. It is not yet clear whether the coalition will hold a vote on the freeze tonight.
4 developments
- DevelopingCoalition leaders agree: Basic Law Torah Study and freeze on draft-dodger arrests to pass before Knesset disperses
- DevelopingHaredi source: draft-evader arrest-freeze bill stands alone, not tied to Torah Study Basic Law
- StrongUnited Torah Judaism joins Shas in blocking coalition legislation unless draft-evader arrests end and Torah study Basic Law passes
- StrongHaredi parties issue ultimatum to Netanyahu: pass Torah Study law or face Knesset dissolution
Source and signal
- Internal intake