Tensions between the coalition and United Torah Judaism escalated sharply on Monday after Coalition Chairman MK Ofir Katz reportedly warned the party that if it votes against legislation sponsored by Minister Orit Struck, the coalition will halt progress on the proposed Basic Law protecting Torah study.

According to sources, Katz conveyed the message to UTJ leaders ahead of key Knesset votes scheduled for the day. The warning came amid growing friction over the coalition’s legislative agenda and the ongoing dispute surrounding the draft law.

In an effort to prevent a full-scale coalition clash, Katz met with Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni in hopes of reaching an understanding that would allow coalition legislation to continue advancing.

At the same time, UTJ has threatened to vote against all coalition-backed bills brought to the Knesset, including legislation establishing a commission of inquiry as well as additional bills sponsored by the Religious Zionism party.

The dispute extends beyond Struck’s bill. UTJ is also threatening to delay approval of the transfer of Interior Ministry powers to the Prime Minister’s Office, arguing that the government should appoint a permanent interior minister instead of repeatedly shifting the ministry’s authority.

During UTJ’s faction meeting on Monday, Gafni criticized the government’s approach, declaring, “Instead of transferring powers from the Interior Ministry every week, they can appoint a permanent minister.”