Prime Minister Netanyahu has proposed to Haredi coalition parties that the Torah Study Basic Law be advanced with only its declarative Section 1, dropping the operative Section 2, according to Eli Hirshman (N12). Degel HaTorah strongly opposes the move, while Shas is consulting on its position.
The crisis over the Basic Law: Torah Study entered a new phase Thursday afternoon, with Prime Minister Netanyahu proposing to Haredi coalition partners that the bill be advanced in a declarative-only form — keeping only Section 1 and dropping the operative Section 2, according to Eli Hirshman (N12). Degel HaTorah has rejected the proposal outright, while Shas is still deliberating.
The proposal comes after weeks of coalition infighting over the law, which would enshrine Torah study as a basic value and provide legal grounding for military service exemptions for yeshiva students. As The Zioneer has reported, the bill failed in earlier Knesset votes when Haredi parties themselves were absent, and subsequent attempts to reach a compromise have stalled. Earlier this week, Degel HaTorah signaled it would block all coalition legislation if the wording was changed from the version passed in preliminary reading.
The current standoff leaves the coalition's legislative agenda in limbo. It remains unclear whether Shas will accept the compromise or side with Degel HaTorah in demanding the full operative text.
6 developments
- DevelopingShas and Degel HaTorah deny any deal with Prime Minister Netanyahu
- DevelopingDegel HaTorah Opposes Changes to Torah Study Basic Law, Warns Coalition Legislation May Be Blocked
- DevelopingShas and Degel HaTorah Torah Study Basic Law bills diverge in Knesset vote schedule
- StrongHaredi parties press Netanyahu to bring Torah Study vote to Knesset plenum today
Source and signal
- Internal intake