A National Insurance Institute representative told a Knesset committee Tuesday that the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study could mean yeshiva students receive income-support benefits and regain the NIS 90 monthly National Insurance discount that was revoked from those liable for enlistment after the 'Torato Omanuto' classification expired. The total annual cost of the discount is estimated at NIS 100 million, according to journalist Eli Hirschman.
A National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) representative told a Knesset committee Tuesday that the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study would have concrete fiscal consequences — restoring a NIS 90 monthly discount to yeshiva students and potentially opening an income-support eligibility track for them. The discount, which had been revoked from those subject to military enlistment following the expiration of the 'Torato Omanuto' (Torah is his craft) classification, would be reinstated under the proposed law. The representative estimated the total annual cost of the discount at NIS 100 million.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Tuesday, the same representative had warned that the law could affect income support and premium discounts for Torah learners, and that it would cancel the planned revocation of the discount for yeshiva students. The comments come as the coalition advances the controversial Basic Law, which faces criticism from opposition parties and some allies over its perceived constitutional elevation of Torah study over military service.
4 developments
- DevelopingNational Insurance rep warns Basic Law: Torah Study may impact social benefits
- DevelopingLegal adviser backs away from statement that Torah Study Basic Law mandates equal benefits for yeshiva students and IDF soldiers
- DevelopingReligious Zionist party expected to back Basic Law: Torah Study in Knesset vote tomorrow
- DevelopingKnesset Committee approves Basic Law: Torah Study for final readings; plenum vote next week
Source and signal
- Open-source intake