Knesset enshrined Torah study in Basic Law despite opposition
Israel's parliament granted Torah study the status of a fundamental value despite accusations of undermining the country's defense capability.
The Knesset approved Torah study as a fundamental value of Israel. With 63 votes, parliamentarians enshrined the status of religious education in the country's Basic Law despite protests from the opposition and warnings from the military. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post.
The new legislative provision established that "Torah study is a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and in the State of Israel." The document passed its final readings amid sharp disagreements within the ruling coalition and demands from ultra-Orthodox parties.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid and the heads of other factions urged deputies not to support the initiative, which in their view deals a severe blow to the army during wartime. "The shameful role of those who support the draft evasion law will forever remain before the eyes of Israel's citizens," said opponents of the bill.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had previously warned the leadership of the defense ministry that the army could face collapse due to a severe shortage of personnel. The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) also emphasized that granting Torah study constitutional status would serve as a basis for future attempts to exempt believers from military service and continue their state funding.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called the cabinet "the most anti-Zionist government in history" for deliberately striking at the armed forces. Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not appear in the parliament's chamber and missed the final vote.
The Union of Orthodox Journalists previously reported that foreign Christians repented in the Knesset for providing insufficient support to Israel.
