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Israel Knesset Passes Torah Study Law, Draft Exemption Frozen

8/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Knesset approved a Basic Law declaring Torah study a foundational value with a 63-52 vote.
The same parliament granted temporary draft-exemption immunity to tens of thousands of Haredi men until Jan 2027, passing the measure 58-54.
Israel’s High Court froze the draft-exemption immunity law a day after its passage.
Ultra-Orthodox protesters in Jerusalem confronted off-duty Netzah Yehuda soldiers and Border Police, shouting and throwing bottles.

History

Historical Context

On 23 July 2002 the Knesset passed the Tal Law, a five-year exemption for yeshiva students from IDF service. After a 2007 extension and a 21 February 2012 Supreme Court ruling that struck it down, the government created the Plesner Committee, which dissolved in early July 2012. Today’s vote to re-enshrine Torah-study exemptions revives the same secular-religious clash.

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Story summary

The Knesset approved a Basic Law declaring Torah study a foundational value with a 63-52 vote.
The same parliament granted temporary draft-exemption immunity to tens of thousands of Haredi men until Jan 2027, passing the measure 58-54.
Israel’s High Court froze the draft-exemption immunity law a day after its passage.
Ultra-Orthodox protesters in Jerusalem confronted off-duty Netzah Yehuda soldiers and Border Police, shouting and throwing bottles.

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