The second clause of the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, which recognized Torah study as a fundamental value, has been deleted from the bill, according to a report by Eli Hirshman (N12). The deletion follows Prime Minister Netanyahu's request, with Haredi factions agreeing to the change.
N12 journalist Eli Hirshman reported Thursday afternoon that the second clause of the Basic Law: Torah Study has been deleted from the bill. The clause, which recognized Torah study as a fundamental value "to create balances of justice," was removed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request, with Haredi factions agreeing to the change, according to the report. This confirms the deletion that had been anticipated in earlier reports.
Earlier today, at 10:28 Jerusalem, The Zioneer first reported that Haredi parties had conceded to a purely declarative version of the law (The Zioneer, Thu 10:28 Jerusalem). Simultaneously, multiple outlets reported the removal of the second clause: Eli Hirshman (N12) reported the clause was canceled (The Zioneer, Thu 10:28 Jerusalem), Yediot Ahronot reported it was set to be deleted (The Zioneer, Thu 10:28 Jerusalem), and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz announced a deal to delete Section 2 (The Zioneer, Thu 10:28 Jerusalem). The updated wording was later published by Amit Segal (N12), stating that "Torah study is a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and in the State of Israel" (The Zioneer, Thu 10:28 Jerusalem). The current update confirms the deletion has been executed.
The Basic Law: Torah Study has been a contentious issue. As The Zioneer reported on June 30, the bill failed in a Knesset vote when Shas and United Torah Judaism absented themselves. On June 10, Minister Ze'ev Elkin stated that the clause comparing Torah study to military service would be removed. The current version, now declarative only, represents a significant compromise by Haredi parties.
The bill's next steps remain unclear. The Knesset votes on the second and third readings, originally scheduled for 11:00, have not been reported as completed. It is not yet confirmed whether the coalition has secured the necessary majority to pass the revised bill, or if further changes will be demanded.
13 developments
- StrongHaredi parties press Netanyahu to bring Torah Study vote to Knesset plenum today
- StrongMinisterial committee approves Basic Law: Torah Study; Haredi parties call it merely declarative without equal-status clause
- StrongNetanyahu and Haredi parties set to advance coalition deal despite protests
- DevelopingMK Milbitsky welcomes Haredi retreat on Torah Study Basic Law: 'Excellent' — law to remain declarative
Source and signal
- Internal intake