Funding Conditionality for Ultra-Orthodox Schools in Israel

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara issued a written response to a High Court petition, stating that continued receipt of state funding for ultra-Orthodox (“haredi”) education under the “All Israeli Children” principle will be conditional on compliance with the full core curriculum, employment of properly trained teachers, participation in assessment programs, and cooperation with supervision mechanisms. These requirements are slated to take effect in the current school year.

The Jerusalem Post

The Yesh Atid Party filed a petition with Israel’s High Court of Justice in December 2025 over budget transfers to ultra-Orthodox institutions. In a letter accompanying the filing, the party noted that the government had decided on December 22, 2025 to create a ministerial team tasked with formulating and implementing policy for ultra-Orthodox education.

The Jerusalem Post

Justice Gila Canfy-Steinitz questioned the state’s representative about the legal basis for the transfers, asking, “Under what law or procedure were the funds transferred?” Justice Yael Wilner added that the conduct was unlawful and highlighted that the Knesset Finance Committee discussed the funding only after the transfers had occurred, describing the discussion as a “sham.” The state’s attorney, Neta Oren, acknowledged that most of the funds had been transferred before the required approvals were obtained, confirming the practice existed.

The Jerusalem Post

• “Under what law or procedure were the funds transferred?” — Justice Yael Wilner

The Jerusalem Post