Story perspectives

Israel High Court Orders NIS 78M Released, Freezes Others

8/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel’s High Court of Justice released NIS 78 million to the Religious Services Ministry while freezing other transfers.
Justice Alex Stein ordered the Finance Ministry to identify urgently needed transfers for interim release.
Director-general Yehuda Avidan warned that without funds 125 holy sites could close.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposed dividing the frozen transfers by urgency.
Hiddush and MK Naama Lazimi (Democrats) argued the August 4 Finance Committee meeting was convened unlawfully.

History

Historical Context

When Israel’s provisional government created the Ministry of Religions in 1949, it took charge of holy-site upkeep, religious councils and funding for synagogues. The ministry was renamed in 1981, dissolved in 2003, and revived as the Ministry of Religious Services in 2008, reflecting a long-standing state role in preserving religious heritage.

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Story summary

Israel’s High Court of Justice released NIS 78 million to the Religious Services Ministry while freezing other transfers.
Justice Alex Stein ordered the Finance Ministry to identify urgently needed transfers for interim release.
Director-general Yehuda Avidan warned that without funds 125 holy sites could close.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposed dividing the frozen transfers by urgency.
Hiddush and MK Naama Lazimi (Democrats) argued the August 4 Finance Committee meeting was convened unlawfully.

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