Supreme Court Releases Frozen Haredi Education Funds

Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the release of 286 million shekels in frozen funds designated for Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) education. The funds, which include salaries for kindergarten teachers, were initially approved by the Knesset Finance Committee on August 4, 2026, but were subsequently frozen by the court following a petition against the coalition fund transfers. The court had issued an interim order, demanding explanations from the Finance Committee chairman and the Treasury on why the transfers should not be canceled, and had prevented their execution pending a decision.

The decision to release the funds is seen as a significant achievement for MK Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Finance Committee, and for Knesset Legal Advisor Sagit Afik, who supported the transfer. The released sum comprises two separate transfers to the Ministry of Education, both intended for the Haredi sector. The main transfer was 270 million shekels, covering budgetary requests 151-153, alongside an additional 16 million shekels for requests 101-106.

MK Gafni expressed his satisfaction with the court's ruling, thanking Afik and Finance Committee advisor Shlomit Erlich for their professional stance and legal opinions. He characterized the petition as "vexatious and unnecessary," stating that the funds are essential for the Haredi education system, including kindergarten teachers, institutions, and activities, and will now be able to reach their intended recipients.