A National Insurance Institute representative told a Knesset committee Tuesday that the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study could result in yeshiva students receiving income-support benefits from the National Insurance Institute, according to reports.
A National Insurance Institute representative told a Knesset committee Tuesday that the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study could entitle yeshiva students to income-support benefits from the institute. The statement, reported by journalist Eli Hirschman, adds a new financial dimension to the legislation that has been under Knesset scrutiny for weeks.
This is the third time this afternoon that the same representative's testimony has been reported, each version adding detail. At 12:25 Jerusalem, The Zioneer first reported the representative warning that the law could impact monthly benefits, income support, and insurance premium discounts for Torah learners. Minutes later, at the same timestamp, the desk published an expanded account specifying that the law would cancel the planned revocation of the NIS 90 monthly National Insurance discount for yeshiva students—a discount that had been revoked from those liable for enlistment after the 'Torato Omanuto' classification expired—and add Torah learners to the income-support eligibility category, with an annual cost of NIS 100 million. The current update now frames the entitlement as a direct result of the law.
As The Zioneer reported on Jun 8, a first draft of the Basic Law would grant equal legal rights to Torah learners and IDF servicemembers. Subsequent reports noted coalition infighting: Minister Elkin said on Jun 10 that a clause comparing Torah study to military service would be removed, while the Religious Zionist party was expected to back the bill on Jun 30 despite constitutional concerns. The legislation, advanced by Shas, remains a flashpoint in coalition politics and Israel's international standing.
It remains unclear whether the income-support benefit would be a new entitlement or an extension of existing benefits, and whether the total cost or scope of eligibility has been formally assessed by the Treasury or the Knesset.
4 developments
- DevelopingNational Insurance rep warns Basic Law: Torah Study may impact social benefits
- DevelopingReligious Zionist party expected to back Basic Law: Torah Study in Knesset vote tomorrow
- DevelopingTreasury advances cancellation of National Insurance discount for yeshiva students
- StrongGafni presents Basic Law: Torah Study at Knesset Committee, says Torah preserved the Jewish people
Source and signal
- Internal intake