Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has passed several contentious bills ahead of an October election, sparking fierce public opposition. The legislation includes a law enshrining Torah study as a foundational state value and granting temporary immunity to ultra-Orthodox draft evaders.

Legislative Push

The legislative push is seen as an attempt by Netanyahu to preserve his political bloc and satisfy the demands of his ultra-Orthodox and far-right allies. The bills have been met with widespread criticism, including from the IDF Chief of Staff, who warned that the legislation could erode trust among those who serve in the military.

The laws are part of a broader coalition trade-off, with ultra-Orthodox parties supporting several of Netanyahu’s priorities, including legislation curbing the authority of the attorney general. Other coalition partners have used the moment to advance their own agendas, including the announcement of a package of settlement funding in the occupied West Bank.

Public Opinion

Public opinion appears sharply opposed to the core of the legislative push, with a recent survey suggesting that 66% of Israelis oppose the Torah-study basic law. Netanyahu’s opponents have seized on the issue as a major campaign theme, denouncing the legislation as a reckless deal that undermines the country’s values.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.