Israeli Coalition Approves Additional 92 Million Shekels for Ultra-Orthodox Institutions Ahead of Knesset Dissolution

On the eve of the Knesset's dissolution, the Israeli coalition approved an additional 92 million shekels in budget transfers to ultra-Orthodox institutions. These budget reallocations were submitted by the Finance Ministry to the Knesset Finance Committee, where the coalition and ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism hold an automatic majority. The new allocations include 30.8 million shekels for Torah institutions, 53.2 million shekels for the Religious Education Administration, 3.6 million shekels for exempt institutions, 3.4 million shekels for recognized but unofficial education, 672,000 shekels for "Independent Education" affiliated with United Torah Judaism, 8,000 shekels for "Maayan Torah Education" linked to Shas, and 185,000 shekels for Jewish culture. Additionally, 455.6 million shekels were proposed for the Settlement Education Administration.

Knesset Finance Committee member MK Naor Shiri from the Yachad party criticized the move, stating, "The Knesset of Israel is under an unprecedented attack ahead of the end of the term - billions to the ultra-Orthodox, and blatant discrimination against IDF soldiers. They care about nothing but jobs for their associates, nothing else matters."