The Knesset is expected to give preliminary approval on Wednesday to the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, but coalition officials are reportedly working behind the scenes to revise the legislation by removing a controversial provision that critics said equated Torah learners with IDF soldiers.

According to coalition sources, senior figures in Likud are advancing a softened version of the bill that they believe will reduce public opposition and broaden support among coalition partners. Discussions are already underway regarding the language that will be promoted following the bill’s initial approval.

Among the expected changes is the removal of a clause that many interpreted as placing full-time Torah study on the same footing as military service. The disputed provision stated that individuals who dedicate themselves to Torah learning for a significant period would be regarded as performing meaningful service to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, with implications for their rights and obligations.

The effort to modify the legislation follows a week of intense political pressure from the chareidi parties, which demanded that the coalition move forward with the bill.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri issued a firm ultimatum, warning coalition leaders that if the Basic Law: Torah Study was not advanced this week, his party would refuse to support any other legislation.

“Especially during these days, when the people of Israel need additional merits for success in the campaign against our enemies, we demand that the Basic Law: Torah Study be brought for a vote already this week as a condition for supporting any other legislation,” Deri declared during a Shas faction meeting.

Deri was the first coalition leader to publicly insist on advancing the proposal last week. Following his demand, other chareidi factions also intensified efforts to move the legislation forward, although the bill is formally sponsored by Degel HaTorah.

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni said the legislation had already been placed on the agenda of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation.

“On the agenda of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation is the Basic Law: Torah Study, which, under the instruction of our revered Torah leaders, I was called upon to submit and advance,” Gafni said.

Coalition officials believe that removing the disputed language could also help secure support from members of the Religious Zionism party, some of whom had reservations about the original wording.

According to coalition sources, the revised version is intended to strengthen recognition of the value of Torah study without creating a direct comparison between Torah learners and military personnel. Likud officials reportedly believe such a change will lessen criticism while preserving the bill’s central objective.

Supporters of the legislation say its primary purpose is to grant constitutional status to Torah study and the role of Torah scholars in Israeli society. They also argue that the measure would help shield the issue from intervention by the High Court of Justice, particularly in cases involving chareidi military service and arguments based on the principle of equality.

{Matzav.com}