In a strong statement, MK Yaakov Asher of United Torah Judaism (UTJ), who also serves as Chairman of the Knesset’s Interior Committee, issued a clear ultimatum: If the Israeli government fails to pass the new draft law regulating the status of yeshiva students by the middle of the upcoming summer Knesset session, his party will face a serious dilemma about continuing in the coalition.
“If this law doesn’t pass in this session, by the middle of the summer term, we will have a very serious problem remaining in such a government, period,” MK Asher said. “This is not just my personal view. It goes beyond that. We cannot be part of a government that criminalizes bnei Torah and fails to properly regulate their status.”
In an interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Asher stressed the importance of the legislation, calling it “the single most important issue for the Jewish people, bar none.”
He explained that the legislative process for the draft law is currently underway, but had been delayed due to the budget process. “We’re in the middle of legislating the draft law,” he said. “There’s a certain direction it’s going in. The budget period made it practically impossible to complete the law at that time. But that window is coming to a close.”
Asher emphasized that technical delays in committee hearings and scheduling had until now explained the lack of progress, but warned that there would be no more excuses. “If, after all this waiting, someone comes and says, ‘We’re not able to pass it,’ then we’re part of a government that’s refusing to pass the most crucial law for the Jewish people. I don’t see how we can remain in a government like that, period.”
He also warned coalition leaders, particularly Likud, that failing to deliver the law would amount to political betrayal. “We won’t kick the religious bloc known as the emunah bloc,” he said, “but if they don’t close this issue—if Likud fails to pass the law regulating the status of Torah students—and all bnei Torah are left labeled as criminals, then it’s they who are pushing us out of this bloc. That’s the real disaster, and they don’t seem to understand it.”
{Matzav.com Israel}