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Knesset adopts Torah Study law, court blocks draft-freeze.

7/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Knesset passed the Basic Law: Torah Study by a 63-52 vote, making Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel.
The Knesset approved a draft-evasion freeze bill by a 58-54 vote.
The High Court of Justice issued a temporary injunction halting the freeze.
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned the freeze would undermine recruitment and jeopardize the IDF’s manpower during the war.

History

Historical Context

Prime Minister Ehud Barak created the Tal Committee in 1999 to resolve the Haredi draft exemption. Its report produced the temporary Tal Law on 23 July 2002, allowing yeshiva students a “decision year” at 22 and preserving about 30,000 exemptions. After a 2005 admission that few enlisted, the High Court declared the law unconstitutional on 21 February 2012, fueling the current Basic Law on Torah study debate.

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Story summary

The Knesset passed the Basic Law: Torah Study by a 63-52 vote, making Torah study a foundational value of the State of Israel.
The Knesset approved a draft-evasion freeze bill by a 58-54 vote.
The High Court of Justice issued a temporary injunction halting the freeze.
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned the freeze would undermine recruitment and jeopardize the IDF’s manpower during the war.

1 / 2