Controversial Funding for Ultra-Orthodox Institutions Blocked by Attorney General

On Monday, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara halted the transfer of approximately NIS 800 million ($255 million) to ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, a decision stemming from a contentious parliamentary vote that occurred late Sunday night. The funding was inserted into the 2026 state budget by the coalition, which utilized a legislative amendment typically reserved for opposition proposals. This led to opposition lawmakers mistakenly voting in favor of the allocation, believing it to be routine. The vote passed with a significant majority of 107-4, before the opposition realized the implications of their support.

Times of Israel

Baharav-Miara's decision was based on concerns that the funding transfer likely contravened a ruling by the High Court of Justice, which prohibits the state from providing benefits to ultra-Orthodox students who have not complied with military enlistment requirements. The High Court had previously ruled that these students, who had received exemptions, were now obligated to enlist, thus nullifying the legal framework for continued financial benefits. Baharav-Miara indicated that the coalition's maneuver appeared designed to circumvent these judicial rulings.

Times of Israel

In response to the funding freeze, Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition Yesh Atid party, announced plans to petition the High Court to permanently block the transfer of the funds. He characterized the coalition's actions as "the greatest theft in the history of the country" and emphasized that the allocation was illegal. Following the attorney general's intervention, Lapid stated, “We will continue to fight for you. This money will not be transferred.”

Times of Israel

The decision to block the funds has drawn sharp criticism from members of the coalition, particularly from senior United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni. He labeled Baharav-Miara's actions as "criminal" and accused her of harboring animosity towards the ultra-Orthodox community. Gafni asserted that the budget was approved lawfully and expressed outrage at the attorney general's intervention, claiming it demonstrated a clear bias against the ultra-Orthodox public.

Times of IsraelTimes of Israel

Several opposition lawmakers acknowledged their error in supporting the coalition's amendment. MK Vladimir Beliak admitted to the mistake in a public statement, while MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen noted that the coalition had a majority regardless of the opposition's votes. Opposition coordinator MK Merav Ben-Ari took personal responsibility for the oversight, stating, “This was entirely my responsibility.”

The Jerusalem Post

The situation remains fluid as the opposition prepares to challenge the funding allocation in court. The attorney general's directive to freeze the funds has set the stage for further legal battles over the budget and its implications for ultra-Orthodox institutions. The outcome of this conflict may have lasting effects on the relationship between the government and the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel.

Times of Israel

• “Approval of the reservations in the aforementioned manner — that is, without legal and professional opinions — constitutes an apparent attempt to overcome steps taken to implement the [High Court] ruling on conscription, as well as other related judgments concerning the provision of benefits to draft evaders,” — Gali Baharav-Miara, Attorney General

Times of Israel

• “The budget was approved last night in accordance with the law, with an unprecedented majority. Gali Baharav-Miara has no authority to intervene; this is criminality by any standard and her hatred towards the ultra-Orthodox public is visible to all. Ten measures of hatred descended upon the world and she took nine of them,” — Moshe Gafni, MK, United Torah Judaism

Times of Israel

• “This money will not go through,” Lapid warns.” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader, Yesh Atid

Times of Israel