MK Elazar Stern (Yesh Atid) criticized the latest draft of the Basic Law: Torah Study, saying it is "much worse" than the first version. Stern said the bill gives preference to Torah learners over those who serve in the IDF, and equates Torah study with other fundamental values while military service itself is not enshrined as a Basic Law.
MK Elazar Stern (Yesh Atid) sharply criticized the updated text of the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study in a statement carried by N12 on Thursday evening. Stern called the new draft "much worse" than the original version, arguing that it prioritizes Torah scholars over military servicemembers and elevates Torah study to the status of other fundamental values while leaving IDF service without Basic Law protection.
The criticism comes as the legislation — a coalition priority for the ultra-Orthodox parties — has already drawn fire from across the political spectrum, including from Likud MKs and senior ministers, as The Zioneer has reported. The bill would entrench exemptions from military service for full-time yeshiva students through quasi-constitutional legislation. Stern's remarks echo broader concerns that the revised language, rather than narrowing the gap between the two camps, has widened the rift between those who serve and those who study.
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