Israel advances controversial Basic Law on Torah study, aiming to shield draft evaders

The Knesset has advanced a contentious Basic Law that elevates Torah study to a foundational value of Israel, a move critics say is designed to shield ultra-Orthodox men from military conscription. The bill passed its first reading with a 63-53 vote on Wednesday after a lengthy and heated debate.

Sponsored by United Torah Judaism lawmakers, the legislation aims to protect draft evaders from sanctions and prosecution. In Israel, where there is no constitution, Basic Laws hold the highest legal status. This bill, if passed into law after two more readings, would significantly impact the long-standing debate over military exemptions for yeshiva students.

The legislation's passage comes amid a broader push by ultra-Orthodox parties to maintain mass exemptions, following the shelving of a coalition-backed enlistment bill in May due to an impasse. The vote occurred after the coalition briefly withdrew the bill from the Knesset agenda, citing last-minute internal opposition from within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Legal authorities have raised sharp objections, deeming both the substance and process of the legislation flawed. The bill's expedited passage through the Knesset House Committee faced strong opposition, with critics arguing it directly challenges High Court rulings mandating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox students. Four coalition MKs voted against the measure, echoing their dissent from a preliminary reading last month.

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The Knesset voted 63-53 on Wednesday to advance a highly controversial Basic Law declaring Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel, following a lengthy and heated debate in the plenum.