The Knesset Committee closed its debate on the Basic Law: Torah Study, according to Yaakov Hershkovitz (N12). Reservations must be submitted by 8 AM Thursday, when voting on them begins. Knesset Legal Adviser Attorney Sagit Afik criticized the process as improper because military representatives did not attend. Likud is reportedly considering submitting its own reservations.
The Knesset Committee closed its debate on the Basic Law: Torah Study on Wednesday morning, setting a deadline of 8 AM Thursday for submitting reservations, with voting on reservations to begin Thursday. Knesset Legal Adviser Attorney Sagit Afik criticized the legislative process, saying military representatives did not attend the discussion, making the process improper. Reports indicate Likud may also submit reservations.
The bill, which aims to equate Torah study with military service, has been a contentious legislative effort. As The Zioneer reported, the Knesset Committee approved transfer of the bill from the Constitution Committee on June 22 despite the legal adviser's opposition. On June 30, the committee approved the bill for first reading, and it passed its first reading in the plenum on July 1. The coalition has been pushing to advance the legislation before the Knesset recesses for the election campaign. On Tuesday, July 7, coalition chairman Ofir Katz stated that the committee was considering alternative wording. The current procedural step — closing debate and beginning voting on reservations — is a critical stage toward second and third readings.
The controversy over the bill has drawn opposition from secular and security officials, who argue it undermines the principle of equal military service. The legal adviser's objection to the current process adds a procedural hurdle.
2 developments
- DevelopingCoalition Chairman Katz: Knesset Committee Weighing Alternatives to Torah Study Basic Law Wording
- StrongKnesset Committee approves Basic Law: Torah Study; coalition races ahead of election recess
- DevelopingCoalition leaders agree: Basic Law Torah Study and freeze on draft-dodger arrests to pass before Knesset disperses
- StrongKnesset Committee approves transfer of Torah Study Basic Law; legal adviser opposes
Source and signal
- Internal intake