The chareidi parties in Knesset; Yahadut Hatorah and Shas, have set a serious challenge before the coalition on Monday, 11 Adar. They are now demanding the preliminary vote on the new draft law this coming Wednesday, Taanis Esther, the bill called the Basic Law of Torah Study to replace the draft law that was toppled by the nation’s High Court of Justice.

The bill cites that Torah study is the highest value, and this is recognized by the State of Israel and this will overcome the value of quality, which was the reason for disqualification of the earlier law by the High Court. The official request for the vote came from MK Yisrael Eichler during a presidium session on Monday.

One is reminded that the coalition members have expressed staunch opposition to the new wording, including Yisrael Beitenu and Kulanu. The Likud is still working on arriving at a clear position on the bill.

The demand for the first vote on Wednesday follow’s last Thursday’s meeting of the Agudas Yisrael Moetzas Gedolei Hatorah, with the admorim calling to approve this new bill into law before the chareidi parties vote in favor of the state budget, simply stated to use the leverage available to them.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)