Knesset Opens Final Debate on Restoring Chief Rabbinate Kashrut Authority

The Knesset plenum opened final-stage debate Tuesday night on legislation that would restore exclusive public authority to issue kashrut certificates to the Chief Rabbinate Council, authorized local rabbis and the Military Rabbinate. Government Bill 1957 would repeal provisions that enabled private kashrut bodies under the 2021 reform. The measure also sets national kashrut standards, oversight and appeals mechanisms, regulates supervisors’ employment to separate them from the businesses they inspect, and requires annual reporting to the Knesset. Coalition officials expected second- and third-reading votes after midnight, before the Knesset disperses for the election.