Knesset panel advances bill to restore Chief Rabbinate’s kosher certification monopoly

The Knesset Committee on Public Projects approves for its final readings a controversial bill restoring the Chief Rabbinate’s exclusive control over kosher certification.

The legislation would repeal reforms introduced by former religious services minister Matan Kahana that opened the certification market to competition, allowing private Orthodox organizations to issue kosher certificates in their own name, provided they meet the state’s standards.

The bill is likely to come before the Knesset plenum for its final votes next week, before the parliament is expected to dissolve on July 17 ahead of elections.

Opponents argue that the bill will eliminate competition and ultimately increase costs for and harm businesses and consumers.

The advancement comes just days after the Chief Rabbinate appeared to authorize the liberal Tzohar Rabbinical Organization to issue kosher certificates under Israeli law for the first time, following a High Court ruling last month ordering it to withdraw its refusal to recognize the group — a move that prompted pushback from the current Religious Services Ministry.

The bill forms part of the coalition’s agreement with the ultra-Orthodox parties to advance several Haredi priorities, including a Basic Law enshrining Torah study as a fundamental state value and a measure freezing the arrest of Haredi draft dodgers.

In exchange, Haredi parties will support key coalition bills, including establishing a politically appointed probe into the failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, attacks, curbing the powers of the attorney general, and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s media overhaul.

Zev Stub contributed to this report.