A source in the Haredi parties told N12 journalist Eli Hirsman that the bill to freeze arrests of draft-evading yeshiva students is independent of the Basic Law: Torah Study, and that the purpose clause referencing Torah study is general. The source stressed they have not given up on the Basic Law, as agreed with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
A Haredi party source clarified Wednesday that the coalition bill to freeze arrests of draft-evading yeshiva students is not contingent on the passage of the Basic Law: Torah Study, contradicting earlier reports that the two bills were linked. The source told N12 journalist Eli Hirsman that the arrest-freeze bill 'stands on its own' and that its purpose clause referencing 'the importance of Torah study' is a general statement, not a legal tie to the future Basic Law. However, the source stressed that the Haredi parties have not abandoned the Basic Law: Torah Study, which was agreed upon with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier today, The Zioneer reported Hirsman's warning that if the Basic Law failed, the arrest-freeze bill would also collapse. The clarification comes as the coalition struggles to advance both pieces of legislation before the Knesset disperses. The arrest-freeze bill aims to halt enforcement against Haredi conscription evaders while a broader arrangement is formulated. The Basic Law, a key Haredi demand, would enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value. The source's comments suggest the Haredi parties are seeking to decouple the two bills to ensure at least one advances, while maintaining pressure for the Basic Law.
- StrongUnited Torah Judaism joins Shas in blocking coalition legislation unless draft-evader arrests end and Torah study Basic Law passes
- DevelopingCoalition leaders agree: Basic Law Torah Study and freeze on draft-dodger arrests to pass before Knesset disperses
- DevelopingSource clarifies to Hirsman: Torah Study Basic Law not abandoned, as agreed with PM
- StrongDeri to coalition: no votes for any legislation unless Torah Study Basic Law advances
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