Supreme Court Reverses Freeze on Funding for Haredi Education

Israel's Supreme Court has ruled to release 286 million shekels in funding to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) education system, overturning a previous freeze. The decision ends weeks of political and legal tension surrounding the budget allocations.

The funds are designated for the Ministry of Education to cover salaries for kindergarten teachers and educators, subsidize afternoon daycare programs, and finance transportation services. The crisis began in August when MK Naama Lazimi and the organization "Hish" petitioned the Supreme Court, alleging a "budgetary snatch" during the parliamentary recess. This led to an interim order freezing the funds.

In a significant development prior to the ruling, the Knesset's legal advisor, Sagit Afik, submitted a strong opinion supporting the budget approval process. Afik asserted that the Knesset Speaker acted within his authority by classifying the matter as "special circumstances" due to the urgency of the funds for the upcoming school year, rejecting attempts to impose political restrictions on the committee's decision.

Following the Supreme Court's announcement, Education Minister Yoav Kisch and United Torah Judaism faction chairman MK Moshe Gafni welcomed the decision. They emphasized that the funding is essential for the proper functioning of the education system and to prevent severe damage to employee salaries.