JERUSALEM (VINnews) — New Hope Member of Knesset Akram Hasson expressed his clear support for the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, arguing that public criticism of the charedi community and religious leaders is driven by political interests rather than genuine concern for the country.

In an interview on the Kan Moreshet channel, the Druze lawmaker criticized what he described as incitement against the Haredi community, voiced support for the status of Torah scholars, and also commented on his political future as part of his faction’s alliance with the Likud party.

According to Hasson, there is no justification for discriminating against or persecuting an entire community because of its religious way of life. “Religious leaders must not be targeted through boycotts or for political gain. They are respected people in every community and everywhere in the world. Only here do people try to pressure them and harm them in order to win a few more votes.”

He went on to say that Torah study is a central pillar of the State of Israel’s existence.

“The Torah is important to every Jew. Without the Torah there is no state and no future. Everywhere that people have shown contempt for religious leaders or abandoned faith, destruction and hardship have followed. Religious leaders are a blessing.”

Hasson also challenged claims that the charedi community constitutes an economic burden. He argued that the financial support allocated to the Haredi sector is often presented in a misleading manner. “When the budgets are divided among one and a half million people, it comes to about 4,000 shekels per person per year, not per month. While giant corporations generate hundreds of billions, it is specifically the Haredim who are portrayed as harming the economy. That is simply not true.”

Toward the end of the interview, Hasson addressed his political future, saying that it remains unclear how members of the New Hope faction will run under their agreement with Likud. “We agreed that we would contest the elections together with Likud, but there are still no regulations and no primaries, so we are waiting for decisions.”

He concluded by saying that Israel’s primary focus should be national unity and security. “First and foremost, we must take care of the country, its security, and prevent baseless hatred. We have many enemies surrounding us, so we must remain united and strong.”

Finally, Hasson stated unequivocally that when the Basic Law: Torah Study is brought to a vote, he will support it without reservation.