Knesset passes contentious haredi-backed bill to enshrine Torah study in Israel's Basic Law

The Knesset passed a contentious bill on Monday, advanced by haredi parties, to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel's Basic Law, with 63 votes in favor and 52 against. Critics argue the Basic Law: Torah Study bill encourages draft evasion and allows yeshiva students to continue receiving state benefits despite the IDF's severe manpower shortage. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, condemned the legislation, stating it would "severely harm the IDF during wartime." The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) warned that elevating Torah study to constitutional status could justify future exemptions from IDF service and continued funding for yeshivas that do not teach the core curriculum. The bill's passage follows threats from haredi parties to disrupt the legislative agenda and comes amidst an urgent IDF manpower shortage and a High Court order to revoke financial benefits from draft evaders.