Netanyahu bets on loyalty with divisive bills ahead of election
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed through a wave of controversial bills in the Knesset's closing days to lock in support from ultra-Orthodox and far-right allies ahead of the October 27 election, including a Basic Law framing Torah study as a state value and temporary immunity for tens of thousands of draft evaders; other measures would curb the attorney general, expand government influence over broadcasting, and widen gender-segregated academic programs, with settlement funding also on the agenda. The move sparked protests, drew legal challenges, and faced broad public opposition as Netanyahu bets the political gains will outlast the immediate backlash.