Israeli Coalition Pushes 117 Million Shekel Transfers to Settlement Ministry Amid Election Campaign

Following the dissolution of Israel's 25th Knesset and the onset of the election recess, the Finance Committee is set to convene next week to discuss budget changes for 2026. Among the proposals is a coalition-backed transfer of approximately 117 million shekels to the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, led by Religious Zionism party minister Orit Strook.

The funds are earmarked for various initiatives including 39.5 million shekels for the Settlement Division, 28.6 million for Jewish cultural organizations, 15.2 million for educational centers, 14.4 million for Jewish culture in local authorities, 14 million for Jewish studies and Land of Israel programs, and 5.7 million to assist local authorities in maintaining Area C in the West Bank.

Opposition MKs Vladimir Beliak and Naor Shiri from the Yesh Atid-Together faction have petitioned the legal advisors of the government, Knesset, and Treasury to halt the transfers. They argue the timing and nature of the funding risk political exploitation during the election period, asserting that the Settlement Ministry has effectively become a financial resource for the Religious Zionism party. They warn that approving these funds now could violate legal guidelines governing conduct during election campaigns.

The Finance Committee's decision next week will determine whether these budget reallocations proceed amid ongoing concerns about political misuse of public funds during the sensitive election period.