TIMES OF ISRAEL
Knesset advances Basic Law bill equating Torah study with IDF service, despite coalition revolt
Ariela Karmel
June 10, 2026

The Knesset voted 56-43 on Wednesday in a preliminary reading to advance a controversial Basic Law declaring Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel, and effectively equating the study of Torah with military service. The vote passed despite several coalition lawmakers breaking ranks to vote with the opposition against the divisive legislation, causing an uproar in the plenum. Sponsored by ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism lawmakers MKs Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, and backed by the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, the measure would recognize those who dedicate themselves to long-term Torah study as performing “meaningful service” to the state, effectively equating it to army service and conferring upon yeshiva students equal rights to those who serve in the army.…The dispute is rooted in a fierce, years-long national debate over the blanket exemptions from military service that have long been given to Haredi men.  READ MORE

FUTURE OF JEWISH The Ultra-Orthodox Debate That Jews Can No Longer Avoid
Many ultra-Orthodox men receive exemptions from military service while studying in yeshivot, a traditional Jewish educational institution focused on the in-depth study of classical Jewish texts, primarily the Talmud and the Torah. Workforce participation among ultra-Orthodox men remains significantly lower than among the broader Israeli population. Government subsidies help sustain institutions built around long-term Torah study. Whether one supports or opposes these policies, they have created a growing sense among many Israelis that the burdens of citizenship are not being distributed fairly. That debate is legitimate. In fact, it is necessary. A society cannot function if major questions about military service, taxation, welfare, and civic responsibility become untouchable.