Ultra-Orthodox parties back down in Torah study constitutional row

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox political parties have capitulated to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a contentious constitutional amendment, accepting the deletion of a key clause in exchange for backing the legislation. Degel HaTorah and Shas had issued a joint statement just days earlier opposing new sections that Likud sought to add to a Basic Law on Torah study. However, coalition chairman Ophir Katz has now reached a compromise with the ultra-Orthodox factions that sees the removal of Section 2 from the proposed law—a provision that would have established a balance of values within the legislation.

The reversal represents a significant climb-down for the ultra-Orthodox parties, which had publicly positioned themselves against the government’s original proposals. The deletion of Section 2, which was designed to create constitutional safeguards balancing different societal values, suggests the government has made meaningful concessions to secure the coalition partners’ support for the wider Basic Law on Torah study.

The agreement demonstrates the delicate political dynamics within Netanyahu’s coalition, where ultra-Orthodox parties wield considerable influence despite their smaller size. Their support remains essential for the government to pass legislation, giving them leverage to negotiate amendments to proposed laws. The compromise on the constitutional amendment reflects the give-and-take required to maintain coalition stability in Israel’s fractious political system.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.