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Basic Law: Torah Study

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (center) together with fellow Likud ministers Yariv Levin (left) and Shlomo Karhi (right) attend a Knesset plenum session at which a law boosting government authority over media was passed, July 16, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
July 17, 2026, 9:50 am
Coalition’s ‘legislative blitz’ is designed to shore-up, unshackle right-wing power
Raft of contentious laws passed this week increases power of right-wing media, throws off attorney general’s legal restraints, and keeps the Haredim inside Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc
By Jeremy Sharon
Illustrative: A man outside the Chief Rabbinate headquarters in Jerusalem, October 31, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
July 15, 2026, 8:09 am
Knesset passes law restoring Chief Rabbinate’s monopoly over kosher certification
Coalition passes raft of contentious laws aimed at appeasing Haredi parties, which say their ‘rift’ with Netanyahu is over
By ToI Staff and Zev Stub
United Torah Judaism MKs Yitzhak Pindrus (left), Moshe Gafni, and Yitzhak Goldknopf seen in the Knesset at a session where a Basic Law enshrining Torah study as a foundational value of the state was approved, July 13, 2026. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
July 14, 2026, 12:31 am
Israel passes quasi-constitutional law declaring Torah study a foundational value
Defying outcry from legal officials, the IDF, reservists and opposition parties, coalition secures final approval of flagship Basic Law, which aims to help enable ongoing broad exemption of ultra-Orthodox young men from IDF service
By Ariela Karmel
Political correspondent Ariela Karmel appears on today's Daily Briefing podcast with host Jessica Steinberg (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
July 13, 2026, 1:13 pm
Daily Briefing July 13: Coalition races to pass controversial laws before Knesset dissolves
Political correspondent Ariela Karmel discusses the raft of contentious legislation the government is pushing to shore up support from coalition partners ahead of October elections
By Jessica Steinberg and Ariela Karmel
Combat veterans suffering from PTSD react during a House Committee hearing on the so-called Torah Study bill, at the Knesset on July 9, 2026. Yitzhak Goldknopf is seated with back to camera. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
July 9, 2026, 9:17 pm
Haredi parties give a little ground: Basic Law won’t explicitly put Torah study on par with IDF service
Bill advances in 6-4 committee vote, with final Knesset readings slated for next week; combat veterans with PTSD interrupt hearing: ‘You’ve exploited us for political gain; rebel Likud MK: ‘Compromise’ is mere ‘window dressing’
By Ariela Karmel
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir speaks at the graduation ceremony of an IDF officers’ course in southern Israel, June 25, 2026. (Flash90)
July 2, 2026, 8:48 pm
After Basic Law exalting Torah study advances, IDF chief says soldiers must be prioritized
Day after bill to shield Haredi draft evaders passes 1st reading, senior military officer warns Knesset of military’s personnel shortage, urges extension of mandatory service
By Emanuel Fabian
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) speaks to United Torah Judaism lawmakers Moshe Gafni (right) and Yitzhak Goldknopf in the Knesset plenum in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
July 2, 2026, 1:22 am
Contentious Basic Law on Torah study, aimed at shielding draft evaders, passes 1st reading
Four coalition MKs vote against legislation, which has been sharply criticized by legal authorities; opposition politicians vow to cancel law if they form next government
By Ariela Karmel
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