Basic Laws news
Knesset Opens Marathon Sessions on Revised Torah Study Basic Law
The Knesset House Committee, chaired by MK Ofir Katz (Likud), opened the first of three eight-hour marathon sessions on Sunday, June 28, 2026, to fast-track the Basic Law: Torah Study, with further meetings set for Monday and Tuesday. Revised bill text drops earlier language equating full-time yeshiva study with military service, instead honoring Torah study as a foundational value of the Jewish people and a "significant service" to the state, a change made after coalition lawmakers objected. United Torah Judaism leader MK Yitzhak Goldknopf drew opposition fury by saying draft evaders come from Tel Aviv, while Degel Hatorah's MK Moshe Gafni told the panel Torah study has preserved the Jewish people throughout history. The bill cleared its preliminary reading 56-43.
Secondary:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)Where It FitsKnesset legal adviser Afik warns Basic Law: Torah Study advancing through flawed process
Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik issued a formal warning that the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study is being advanced through procedurally improper channels, telling lawmakers the bill belongs in the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee rather than the House Committee. 'Pressure and workload do not override, in my view, a proper legislative process,' Afik wrote, cautioning that 'this transfer raises a serious difficulty that may undermine the integrity of the legislative process.' MKs nonetheless voted 48 to 35 to keep the legislation under the House Committee chaired by coalition whip Ofir Katz, sidestepping the Constitution Committee led by Religious Zionism MK Simcha Rothman. Afik's intervention adds a significant procedural cloud over a Basic Law that haredi coalition partners are working to pass quickly, with reports indicating Speaker Amir Ohana has been pressed to push Afik to reverse her position.
Secondary:(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)Where It FitsKnesset House Committee opens marathon sessions to fast-track Basic Law: Torah Study
The Knesset House Committee began the first of three marathon sessions, eight hours on Sunday plus full-day meetings Monday and Tuesday, to prepare Basic Law: Torah Study for second and third readings before pre-election recess on July 16. The revised draft drops earlier language equating full-time yeshiva study with IDF service, replacing it with 'significant service' to the state after coalition backbench objections. The bill still needs three more plenum readings to enter the constitutional fabric of Israel.
Secondary:(1)(2)(3)(4)Where It FitsBasic Law: Torah Study clears preliminary reading 56-43
A UTJ bill backed by MKs Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher to declare Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel passed preliminary reading by 56-43. The measure was advanced amid coalition tensions over Haredi conscription and would create a constitutional counterweight to court rulings on draft exemptions.
Secondary:(1)(2)(3)Where It FitsJustice Minister Levin lays out renewed judicial reform plan
Justice Minister Yariv Levin outlined a renewed judicial-overhaul push, including steps aimed at limiting the High Court's ability to review Basic Laws and changing checks on government legal decisions. Levin framed the effort as a response to what he calls judicial overreach, while critics warned it would weaken oversight of the executive.
Secondary:(1)(2)Where It FitsCivil Service Commissioner appointment bill advances
Coalition lawmakers advanced legislation affecting senior civil-service appointments, including rules for appointing government-corporation heads and related oversight posts. Supporters argued the government needs more appointment flexibility, while critics said the measures would weaken professional safeguards in the civil service.
Secondary:(1)(2)Where It Fits