[80765] Coalition crisis: Shas issues ultimatum to Netanyahu for approval of Basic Law: Torah Study
[80765] Coalition crisis: Shas issues ultimatum to Netanyahu for approval of Basic Law: Torah Study
The Shas faction announced that it would condition its support for coalition legislation on the approval of the Basic Law: Torah Study as early as this coming Wednesday.
Shas issues ultimatum to the coalition: Torah Study law to be brought to a vote this week
In a dramatic political move, the Shas faction announced last night (June 1, 2026) that it demands the Prime Minister bring the "Basic Law: Torah Study" currently on the Knesset table to a vote as early as this coming Wednesday. According to reports by Dafna Liel, Amit Segal, and Senia Waldberg, the faction clarified in an official letter that the approval of the law is a "condition for continued support of coalition legislation."
The letter, which was also published by Yinon Magal (YINONEWS) and other sources such as Moti Kastel and Kol HaHadashot, emphasizes that the time has come for a "clear and unequivocal statement by the coalition regarding the central place of the Torah in the State of Israel." Shas seeks to anchor the value of Torah study in a Basic Law and to elevate the status of those who study it.
While most channels covered the demand as an official party announcement, journalist Ziv Rubinstein, who is identified with a critical stance toward the government's conduct during the war, described Shas's timing as "threatening" and claimed that the demand comes at the height of "chaos in the country."
As of this hour, no official response has been received from the Prime Minister's Office regarding compliance with Shas's demand, while political pressure within the coalition is expected to increase leading up to Wednesday, the day the faction demanded to complete the legislative process.