Full Breakdown
Knesset Finance Committee Approves Controversial Funding for Haredi Education
4/15/2026, 11:34:02 AM
Overview of the Funding Controversy
On Tuesday, the Knesset Finance Committee approved the allocation of nearly NIS 100 million (approximately $33 million) for Haredi educational institutions, part of a larger NIS 1 billion ($331 million) transfer that had been halted by the High Court of Justice. The court's intervention was prompted by a petition from opposition lawmakers, particularly from the Yesh Atid party, who argued that the funds were being directed to schools that do not comply with mandatory core curriculum requirements.
Background of the Funding Freeze
The High Court's freeze on the funds originated from a December 2025 decision, which determined that the transfer had not undergone the necessary parliamentary deliberations. The court mandated that the Finance Committee reconvene to discuss the remaining NIS 98 million before any further disbursement. Prior to this ruling, approximately NIS 800 million had already been allocated to Haredi institutions, raising concerns about the legality and transparency of the funding process.
Key Figures and Responses
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the timing of the committee's vote, which coincided with Holocaust Remembrance Day, stating, “These are the priorities of the draft dodgers and the corrupt.” He emphasized the disparity between cuts to Holocaust survivor assistance and the substantial funding for Haredi education. In contrast, MK Moshe Gafni from the United Torah Judaism party defended the funding, asserting that timely transfers are essential for educational continuity.
Criticism of Educational Standards
During the committee discussions, lawmakers expressed significant concerns regarding the qualifications of teachers in Haredi schools. Data presented indicated that only 6.9% of elementary school English teachers and 13.6% of middle school math teachers in the United Torah Judaism network were qualified. This lack of qualified educators has been a focal point of criticism, with Yesh Atid members labeling the funding as illegitimate due to the schools' failure to meet educational standards.
Official Statements and Legislative Actions
The Finance Committee's chairman, Hanoch Milwidsky of Likud, faced backlash for refusing to postpone the vote despite receiving extensive data from the Education Ministry just before the meeting. Yesh Atid MK Vladimir Beliak highlighted the rushed nature of the vote, tweeting about the last-minute delivery of 700 pages of information. Following the vote, MK Yitzhak Pindrus claimed that there are no unqualified teachers in Haredi schools, asserting the high educational standards of institutions like Beit Yaakov.
Conflicting Reports and Future Implications
The ongoing legal challenges surrounding the funding are expected to continue, as organizations like Hiddush-Freedom of Religion for Israel plan to contest the legality of the transfers based on the failure to meet educational prerequisites. The situation remains contentious, with both sides preparing for further debates and potential legal actions regarding the allocation of funds to Haredi educational institutions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These are the priorities of draft evaders and the corrupt,” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader
- “Tonight, the coalition stole another NIS 98 million from you.” — Moshe Tur-Paz, Yesh Atid MK
- “there is no such thing” as teachers in Haredi schools without teaching certificates. — Yitzhak Pindrus, United Torah Judaism MK
- “What occurred in the committee, and the fact that the Education Ministry’s data was presented only at the last minute, spanning hundreds of pages without the committee chair seeing a need to postpone the hearing to allow for study of the new material, will form the basis for continuing the legal challenge against the lawfulness of the fund transfer,” — Uri Regev, Hiddush President and CEO
