Full Breakdown
Haredi Parties' Support for the 2026 State Budget Amid Military Exemption Controversy
3/10/2026, 2:22:44 AM
Legislative Context and Current Developments
Two of the Knesset’s three ultra-Orthodox factions, Shas and Degel HaTorah, are poised to support the 2026 state budget despite the coalition's failure to pass a military service exemption law for yeshiva students. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the budget would be prioritized over the conscription bill, stating, “we are working on that in a serious manner.” The budget must be approved by the end of March to avoid government collapse, with the Knesset's annual Passover recess beginning on April 1.
The Haredi leadership has been advocating for legislation that would exempt full-time yeshiva students from military service following a High Court ruling that deemed the existing blanket exemptions illegal. Approximately 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18 to 24 are currently eligible for military service but have not enlisted. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported a shortage of 12,000 troops, exacerbated by ongoing military challenges.
Historical Patterns of Budget Support
Historically, Haredi parties have threatened to oppose the budget over conscription issues but have ultimately voted in favor. Following the first reading of the 2026 budget, Shas and Degel HaTorah participated in a coalition vote to split the Arrangements Law into two parts, a significant legislative maneuver. Recent reports suggest that while Agudat Yisrael may oppose the budget, Degel HaTorah has received rabbinic instructions to support it, with Shas also likely to back the budget.
Diverging Positions Within Haredi Factions
The internal dynamics among the Haredi factions reveal differing stances. Agudat Yisrael has reiterated its opposition to the budget unless a satisfactory exemption law is presented, with a source stating, “I don’t think we’ll support it.” Conversely, Degel HaTorah's chairman Moshe Gafni indicated that the party's rabbinic leadership has yet to finalize its decision. The latest proposed bill, drafted by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Boaz Bismuth, aims to codify exemptions for full-time yeshiva students while establishing modest conscription targets for Haredi men.
Financial Implications of the Budget
The 2026 state budget allocates nearly NIS 1 billion ($322 million) in additional funding for ultra-Orthodox schools, highlighting the financial stakes involved in the legislative process. This funding is critical for the Haredi community, which has been vocal about its educational needs and military service exemptions.
Official Statements & Responses
Netanyahu's office has emphasized the importance of passing the budget to ensure government stability, while Haredi leaders have expressed their demands for a conscription law. A spokesman for Degel HaTorah noted that discussions are ongoing but no final decision has been made regarding the budget vote.
Criticism & Opposition
The proposed conscription bill has faced criticism from various quarters, including IDF officials and legal experts, who argue that it contains loopholes and fails to address the military's manpower shortages effectively. Critics within Netanyahu's coalition have also raised concerns about the implications of such legislation on equality in military service.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy regarding the positions of the Haredi factions, with Agudat Yisrael reportedly opposing the budget while Degel HaTorah appears more amenable to supporting it. The lack of a definitive stance from the factions creates uncertainty about the final outcome of the budget vote.
