Israeli Government Advances Torah Study Law Amid Ongoing Military Operations
Shas chairman Arye Deri is pushing forward legislation to anchor yeshiva students' legal status while Israeli soldiers are engaged in combat operations in Lebanon and Gaza. The original bill included provisions critics said equated Torah study with military service, though revisions were made following coalition discussions. The timing has drawn criticism for appearing insensitive to soldiers' sacrifices and families' concerns.
Shas chairman Arye Deri is advancing the Basic Law: Torah Study, which would establish the legal status of yeshiva students in Israeli law. The original version included provisions equating long-term Torah study with military service regarding state rights and benefits, though revisions were made following Ministerial Committee discussions. The legislation has drawn criticism for its timing, coming as Israeli troops face combat operations in southern Lebanon and Gaza, with soldiers serving multiple rotations and families living with constant anxiety. Critics argue the bill reflects a lack of appreciation for military sacrifice, particularly given Deri's simultaneous visit to arrested haredi draft evaders. Even the Religious Zionist Party, which includes many combat soldiers and has suffered significant casualties, found the original bill's equation of yeshiva study with military service unacceptable.
What's missing
The article is a column/opinion piece rather than straight news reporting. The specific details of the revised version of the bill are not fully provided. The broader historical context of haredi military service debates in Israeli politics is not extensively covered.
What different sources said
- The Jerusalem PostRight
Shas pushes tone-deaf Torah study law while soldiers die in Lebanon, Gaza - comment
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