Haredi MK Gafni urges Netanyahu to advance Torah study bill unchanged despite legal warnings

MK Moshe Gafni, a prominent leader of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Degel HaTorah faction, has insisted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proceed with the controversial Basic Law: Torah Study bill in its current form. This demand comes despite warnings from the Knesset's legal adviser that the legislation's wording could inadvertently provide benefits to haredi men who evade military service, equating them to IDF reservists.

Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik cautioned that the bill requires revision to be "declarative in nature" and highlighted significant ambiguities in its practical interpretation. These warnings have led to objections from the haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, who are pushing for the bill's advancement. Gafni's spokesperson confirmed his demand for no changes to the legislation's wording.

The situation has created potential friction within Netanyahu's coalition as the Knesset approaches its final week for advancing legislation. Coalition whip Ofir Katz indicated that lawmakers could submit reservations about the bill, suggesting that disagreements might prevent its progress. The Knesset's House Committee is expected to vote on the bill on Thursday.

In a related development, another haredi-backed bill seeking to repeal the 2021 kashrut reform has been approved for advancement by the Knesset Committee on Public Projects. This move could potentially restrict competition within Israel's official kashrut certification market.

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The haredi faction leader's spokesperson confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that Gafni had demanded that Netanyahu make no changes to the legislation's wording.