Knesset Enshrines Torah Study as Fundamental Value in Israeli Basic Law

Key Facts

Published: July 13, 2026 Location: Jerusalem Source: Jerusalem Post

• The Knesset passed the Basic Law: Torah Study by a vote of 63–52.
• The law recognizes Torah study as a fundamental value of Israel and the Jewish people.
• Opponents warn the measure could protect benefits and military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students.

Controversial measure passes 63–52 amid warnings over military manpower shortages and ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

JERUSALEM, Israel (Worthy News) – The Knesset passed legislation Monday granting Torah study constitutional-level recognition as a fundamental value of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

The Basic Law: Torah Study passed its final readings by a vote of 63–52 after weeks of pressure from ultra-Orthodox coalition parties, according to The Jerusalem Post. Israel has no formal written constitution, relying instead on a collection of Basic Laws that carry elevated legal status.

The law declares that “Torah study is a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and in the State of Israel.”

Critics warn that the measure could eventually be used to protect government funding and benefits for yeshiva students who do not serve in the Israel Defense Forces. The legislation comes as military commanders continue to warn of a serious manpower shortage following more than two years of war.

Earlier language explicitly comparing Torah students with IDF soldiers was removed, as was a clause calling for Torah study to be “balanced” against other national values. Opponents maintain that the revised law could still provide a constitutional foundation for broad military exemptions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who supported the legislation during its first reading, did not attend Monday’s final vote. Several coalition lawmakers broke ranks and opposed the measure.

Opposition leaders vowed to repeal the law following Israel’s national election scheduled for October 27, arguing that it places additional strain on soldiers, reservists and families already carrying much of the country’s wartime burden.

The vote came during a final legislative push before the Knesset enters recess and dissolves ahead of the election.

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