Story perspectives

Knesset Enacts Torah Study Law, IDF Critics Promise Repeal

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Knesset approved a Basic Law declaring Torah study by a 63-52 vote.
Leaders condemned the law as harmful to the IDF and pledged repeal after the October 27 elections.
Since the Oct. 7 attacks, over 1,000 Haredim have enlisted and a similar number have volunteered for civilian service.
About 80,000 eligible Haredi men remain unenlisted.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the government is postponing issues, including the yeshiva exemption, during wartime.

History

Historical Context

In 2002 Israel enacted the Tal Law, granting draft exemptions to ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students; Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Finance Minister Silvan Shalom signed the agreement, which initially covered about 40,000 men, roughly 30 % of eligible conscripts; the law reflects a longstanding Israeli challenge of reconciling compulsory military service with religious study, a debate that re-emerged in a recent Knesset vote.

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Story summary

The Knesset approved a Basic Law declaring Torah study by a 63-52 vote.
Leaders condemned the law as harmful to the IDF and pledged repeal after the October 27 elections.
Since the Oct. 7 attacks, over 1,000 Haredim have enlisted and a similar number have volunteered for civilian service.
About 80,000 eligible Haredi men remain unenlisted.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the government is postponing issues, including the yeshiva exemption, during wartime.

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