Israeli Finance Committee Approves Millions for Haredi Institutions Ahead of Knesset Dissolution

On the eve of the Knesset's dissolution, the Finance Committee approved numerous budget reallocations totaling hundreds of millions of shekels, including significant funds for Haredi educational institutions. The committee convened on Tuesday and approved 31 out of 34 budget requests submitted by government ministries, involving transfers within the 2026 state budget. These reallocations included 30.8 million shekels for Torah institutions, 53.2 million for the Religious Education Administration, 455.6 million for the Settlement Education Administration, and additional millions for other religious and independent education frameworks.

The budget requests are routine procedures where ministries seek approval for budget changes to finance government activities. Some requests had been delayed pending political agreements. Besides allocations to Haredi institutions, funds were also approved for various ministries such as the Ministry for Social Equality, the Welfare Ministry, and the Ministry of Defense, which received support for bereaved families.

Three budget requests were rejected, following efforts by Finance Committee Chair MK Hanoch Milwitsky to prioritize northern businesses and settlements. MK Noam Shiri of the "Together!" party criticized the committee's decisions, accusing it of favoritism toward Haredi interests and neglecting the needs of IDF soldiers. Milwitsky called for full Knesset sessions to continue during Operation "Roaring Lion." The approvals come amid political tensions as the Knesset prepares for its dissolution.