MK Gafni Demands Government Action on Haredi Kindergarten Pay Before Supporting Attorney General Powers Bill

After successfully passing the Basic Law on Torah Study and the law on arresting absconders, Haredi lawmakers, led by Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni, are increasing pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu's fragmented coalition. Gafni informed coalition chairman Ofir Katz that United Torah Judaism will not support the bill to limit the Attorney General's powers until the government resolves the issue of salary supplements for Haredi kindergarten teachers through a formal government decision.

The Religious Zionist Party had championed a bill to split the Attorney General's powers, but due to the coalition's collapse, the bill was significantly weakened, now only reducing the Attorney General's authority relative to the government. In response to Gafni's new demand, Religious Zionist representatives criticized him, stating that Gafni's stance protects the Attorney General's unchecked judicial authority and allows continued oppression of the right-wing bloc. They warned that if Gafni and his allies block the bill aimed at ending the Attorney General's dominance, they will lose credibility within the Haredi community and should not threaten them.

The standoff highlights ongoing tensions within the coalition over judicial reforms and budgetary issues affecting the Haredi sector, complicating efforts to pass key legislation before the government's potential dissolution.