Ministerial committee approves Torah Study bill amid coalition tensions

Lead

Israel's governing coalition has advanced two contentious pieces of legislation championed by haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties – a bill to enshrine Torah study in the country's Basic Law and a separate measure to change daycare subsidy eligibility – despite strong opposition from within the coalition and warnings from military officials about a severe manpower shortage.

The Knesset passed the preliminary reading of the Basic Law: Torah Study bill on Wednesday, with 56 lawmakers in favor and 43 against, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The legislation, sponsored by Degel Hatorah leader MK Moshe Gafni with backing from the government, seeks to anchor Torah study as a fundamental value in Israeli law. A separate but similarly named bill sponsored by the Shas Party is also expected to be advanced and merged with Gafni's proposal.

Coverage comparison

The Jerusalem Post's coverage of the legislative push has been consistent across multiple reports, with the outlet highlighting both the political maneuvering behind the bills and the depth of opposition they have generated. Reports from June 9–15, 2026, detail how Shas chairman Arye Deri made the advancement of the Torah Study bill a condition for his party's continued participation in coalition votes, while also noting the decision to proceed with the legislation came amid ongoing military operations in Lebanon and Gaza.

The Post also covered the daycare subsidies bill, which passed its preliminary reading on May 27 by a margin of 44-37, and the haredi parties' subsequent announcement on June 15 that they would halt voting in favor of coalition legislation after the daycare bill was not placed on the plenum's schedule as planned.

Criticism has come not only from opposition leaders but also from within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's own coalition. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, a member of the coalition, publicly opposed both bills, and Likud MKs Dan Illouz and Yuli Edelstein, along with Religious Zionist Party MK Moshe Solomon, voted against the Torah Study bill's preliminary reading.

Key claims

The Basic Law: Torah Study bill, as originally drafted, included a provision that critics said equated long-term Torah study with military service, placing the two on the same footing regarding rights and benefits from the state. The Jerusalem Post reported that this provision was revised after discussions in the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, and after the Religious Zionist Party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, said it would not support a bill calling for equality of rights between IDF soldiers and haredim who evade service.

Even without that explicit comparison, the bill's remaining wording declares Torah study a fundamental value in Jewish heritage and states that the state views those who dedicate themselves to long-term study as making a significant contribution to the state and Jewish people. Critics argue this would still have sweeping implications for the status of haredim who do not serve in the military.

The daycare subsidies bill aims to change eligibility criteria for state-funded daycare subsidies to be based solely on a mother's income, rather than other factors. Opponents, including Deputy Foreign Minister Haskel, argue this will effectively expand state subsidies for parents of draft evaders. Haskel described the legislation as "backstabbing" Israelis serving in the military during wartime, saying "It is absolutely morally wrong. It will reduce Israelis' motivation to continue serving. It's really backstabbing them."

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir has warned of a severe manpower shortage, a concern echoed by critics of both bills who say the legislation could further discourage enlistment during a period of extended reserve duty and active conflict.

The haredi parties' threat to halt coalition voting has also put other legislation at risk. The coalition has reportedly lacked a majority to pass the daycare subsidies bill in its first reading, with a group of coalition lawmakers vowing to vote against it. The standoff has delayed the advancement of other coalition legislation, and it remains unclear whether either bill will be able to progress further.

Perspectives

Shas and United Torah Judaism: The haredi parties have pushed for the advancement of both bills, with Shas chairman Arye Deri making their passage a condition for his party's participation in coalition votes. They have also threatened to halt voting on all coalition legislation if their demands are not met.

Coalition dissenters: Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, Likud MKs Dan Illouz and Yuli Edelstein, and Religious Zionist Party MK Moshe Solomon have all opposed the legislation, with some breaking ranks to vote against the bills. Illouz has called for a break with the haredi parties, saying their demands could pose a danger to the state.

Opposition leaders: Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition leader Yair Lapid have sharply criticized the legislation. Bennett described the bill as "an exemption law on steroids," calling it "a desecration of the Torah and a desecration of the honor of IDF soldiers who are currently fighting in Lebanon."

Religious Zionist Party: While some party MKs voted for the bill, party leaders, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, said they would not support a bill equating Torah study with military service. MK Moshe Solomon voted against the bill and reportedly faced political consequences for his stance.