Knesset legislative blitz: Key Israeli laws explained

Ahead of its dissolution on July 17, Israel's Knesset passed several significant and controversial bills. These include the Basic Law: Torah Study, which enshrines Torah study as a fundamental value, making it harder to challenge haredi draft exemptions. Another bill, temporarily freezing arrests of haredi draft dodgers, was passed but subsequently frozen by the High Court of Justice. Additionally, legislation aimed at weakening the attorney-general's oversight capabilities passed, allowing the government to disregard legal opinions. Sweeping reforms to Israel's broadcasting sector were also enacted, granting the government substantial control over media. Finally, a bill extending mandatory IDF service to 32 months was approved to address manpower shortages, with the IDF stating it is "urgently required, in order to meet the IDF's goals and to respond to security needs."