Knesset's Controversial Budget Vote Allocates NIS 800 Million to Haredi Schools

In the early hours of Monday, the Knesset passed the 2026 state budget, which significantly increased defense spending amid ongoing tensions with Iran and allocated approximately NIS 800 million ($255 million) to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, including yeshivas. This unexpected allocation occurred during a series of procedural votes, where opposition lawmakers, assuming the reservations were routine, inadvertently supported the coalition's amendment. The funding raised total allocations to Haredi educational institutions from NIS 4.1 billion ($1.3 billion) to NIS 5.17 billion ($1.65 billion).

Times of Israel

The maneuver was characterized by a senior official from the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party as a strategic outflanking of the opposition. The official noted that the coalition's veteran lawmakers, particularly MK Moshe Gafni, leveraged their experience to keep the reservation hidden for three weeks. Gafni's seniority and knowledge of parliamentary procedures were highlighted as key factors in the successful execution of this tactic. The majority-Arab Hadash-Ta’al party also expressed surprise at the opposition's failure to detect the reservation, with its chairman Ayman Odeh questioning the oversight of the opposition coordinator, Meirav Ben-Ari.

Times of Israel

Following the vote, opposition figures expressed outrage, framing the allocation as a misappropriation of public funds intended for draft dodgers and non-compliant educational institutions. Meirav Ben-Ari took responsibility for the oversight, apologizing to her colleagues for not being vigilant. Yair Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party, condemned the coalition's actions as a theft from Israeli citizens, vowing to continue opposing what he termed corrupt practices. He and other opposition members have since sought legal opinions to challenge the allocation, asserting it violates a High Court ruling against funding for yeshiva students without military exemptions.

Times of Israel

In response to the controversy, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara halted the transfer of the allocated funds, confirming that the vote was an attempt to circumvent legal prohibitions established by the High Court. This development underscores the ongoing tensions between the coalition and opposition regarding funding for Haredi educational institutions, particularly in light of the broader issues surrounding military conscription and educational standards.

Times of Israel

The Knesset's recent budget vote has sparked significant debate over the allocation of public funds to Haredi schools, revealing deep divisions between the governing coalition and opposition parties. As legal challenges emerge, the implications of this vote may extend beyond immediate financial concerns, potentially influencing future legislative actions and the dynamics of Israeli politics.

Times of Israel