The Bill Originally Equated the Status of Torah Students With That of Israelis in Military Service, Though Ministers Requested That the Comparison Be Removed. The Vote Is Part of a Broader Effort by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Enshrine His Preferred Election Date in October

Shas party leader Arye Deri demanded that the legislation be rapidly advanced, and it is expected to be brought to the Knesset’s plenum for its preliminary reading this week.

Those who see Torah study as essential should acknowledge the unique burden borne by those who leave their lives behind to defend the country, and that yeshiva study is not a…