The Knesset on Wednesday evening approved the Basic Law: Torah Study, a key demand of the Chareidi parties as part of an agreement with the coalition that is expected to restore full cooperation between the two sides.

The legislation formally recognizes Torah study as a fundamental value of the State of Israel. Supporters say it grants constitutional recognition to the central role of Torah learning, while opponents argue it could make it more difficult to impose future sanctions on yeshiva students who do not serve in the military.

The agreement between the coalition and the Chareidi parties also reportedly includes efforts to halt the arrests of yeshiva bochurim and repeal former minister Matan Kahana’s kashrus reform.

In return, the Chareidi parties are expected to end their legislative boycott and resume voting with the coalition on key government initiatives, including legislation to split the role of the Attorney General, advance the Communications Law, and establish a state commission of inquiry proposed by MK Ariel Kallner.

Although some coalition lawmakers opposed the bill, as they did during its preliminary reading, the legislation passed the Knesset plenum, marking a significant step toward restoring stability within the governing coalition.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)