Israel enshrines Torah study in basic law and extends IDF conscriptionextends IDF conscription to 32 months
The Israeli government passed a bill to establish Torah study as a fundamental value in a new Basic Law while extending mandatory IDF conscription to 32 months.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned the legislation, accusing the coalition of betraying soldiers and reservists. The move deepens domestic political tensions by granting special treatment to those who avoid military service while increasing the burden on those who serve.
Bennett
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett condemned the legislation, accusing Netanyahu's coalition of betraying active-duty soldiers and reservists who bear the physical burden of defending the state while labeling it the government of the October Seven massacre.
Critics
Critics argue the new Basic Law would establish Torah study as a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, giving special treatment to people who dodge the draft and disparaging those who serve in the military.
- The October 7, 2023 attack killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the displacement of over 300,000 Israelis.
- Torah study is a central pillar of Jewish religious life, often prioritized over military service by some ultra-Orthodox communities.
- Israel's military conscription law requires most citizens to serve, though exemptions have historically been granted to ultra-Orthodox men for religious study.
