Israeli Finance Committee Set to Approve NIS 226.5 Million for Ultra-Orthodox Education Funding

Following the announcement that the Finance Committee is expected to approve a NIS 340 million transfer to settlements in Judea and Samaria this week, the Ministry of Education is now seeking to allocate an additional NIS 226.5 million for sector-specific purposes, primarily for ultra-Orthodox education. The proposed distribution includes NIS 26.1 million for a yeshiva dropout prevention program, NIS 16.1 million to fully subsidize after-school programs in exempt institutions, NIS 30.3 million for national-religious education, NIS 12.5 million for Jewish cultural support, NIS 15.2 million to expand support for certain Torah institutions in the "resurgence area," and NIS 3.3 million for coordination bodies linking Torah institutions. Approximately NIS 69 million is earmarked for the recognized but unofficial education network "Bnei Yosef - Maayan HaChinuch HaTorani," affiliated with Shas and the independent education system of United Torah Judaism.

Knesset Finance Committee member Naor Shiri (Yahad) criticized the move, stating, "In less than 10 hours, the coalition is again transferring hundreds of millions to the ultra-Orthodox sector. Netanyahu and Moshe Gafni's alliance has never been stronger. Every Israeli citizen should remember who the Likud's natural partners are: the refusers and shirkers." The funding reflects ongoing political alliances and priorities within the current Israeli government.

The Finance Committee's approval is anticipated imminently, continuing the trend of significant budget allocations to specific sectors within Israeli society, particularly the ultra-Orthodox community and settlement expansion.