Netanyahu pushes disputed bills before Israel election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is trying to pass seven bills before the Knesset is due to dissolve on July 15, months before national elections scheduled for no later than October 27.

Each measure is a priority for one or more parties in Netanyahu’s ruling coalition. The push has drawn criticism from opposition figures, who accuse the government of using the final days of the parliamentary session to serve coalition interests.

The most contested proposal concerns military service exemptions for students engaged in religious studies, a long-standing demand of ultra-Orthodox parties. The bill was approved in a preliminary reading in June and says the state should recognise people who commit to long-term Torah study as performing meaningful service.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said Netanyahu’s coalition was focused on its survival instead of Israeli citizens’ interests. Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and Netanyahu rival in the election, accused the government of trying to pass laws “against the army”.

Other bills under consideration include a Likud-backed broadcasting reform, a proposal to change the status of the attorney general and a move sought by religious parties to restore the religious authority’s monopoly over kosher certification.

Supporters of the broadcasting reform present it as a way to increase competition. Critics say it could increase political control over media and weaken independent news organisations.

The attorney general proposal would make the government legal adviser’s opinions non-binding. Opposition figures say that would weaken an independent check on the government and politicise prosecutions.

Lawmakers can extend the Knesset session by up to 12 days to complete legislative proceedings, but disagreements inside and outside the coalition may prevent all the bills from passing.