Torah Study Basic Law Narrowed to Declarative Clause

Shas and Degel HaTorah said Thursday evening they agreed to narrow the Basic Law: Torah Study to its original declarative clause, after a coalition dispute over additional provisions. Reports said section 2, which would have compared the status of long-term Torah learners with meaningful national service, will be removed, leaving language that recognizes Torah study as a fundamental value in Jewish heritage and in the State of Israel. The parties said other provisions can move through separate legislation, while a bill limiting arrests of Haredi draft evaders remains on the agenda. The compromise respects Torah learning while reducing legal ambiguity over soldiers, reservists and yeshiva students.