Israel's Knesset advanced 63-53 a Basic Law measure that would declare Torah study to be foundational to the state of Israel, a move that would permanently shield yeshiva students from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) draft, the Times of Israel reported July 2. The ruling coalition intends to pass the law by the July 17 recess despite significant opposition from secular and left-leaning parties.

Israel lacks a formal constitution, making Basic Laws the highest legal level in the country. Previous Basic Laws have been successfully challenged by the Supreme Court, including the 2024 judicial reforms. In 1999, the Knesset also overturned the Basic Law that created direct elections for the prime minister.