Israeli Finance Committee Approves Nearly NIS 250 Million Boost for Haredi Education Amid Controversy

The Knesset Finance Committee approved an additional budget of approximately NIS 250 million for Haredi education during an extraordinary session held amid the parliamentary recess. The funds will support various sectors including yeshivas, exempt institutions, and independent education frameworks. Key allocations include NIS 26.1 million for dropout prevention programs in yeshivas, NIS 16.1 million to fully subsidize after-school programs in certified and exempt institutions, and NIS 12.5 million for Haredi Jewish cultural initiatives. Additional funding includes NIS 15.2 million to expand support for certain Torah institutions in the "Rebirth Region," NIS 3.3 million for coordination bodies, NIS 1.1 million for an aid fund for married Torah scholars, and nearly NIS 69 million for non-officially recognized Torah education institutions such as "Bnei Yosef - Maayan HaChinuch HaTorani" and independent education. Furthermore, NIS 54 million was allocated for kindergarten teachers in non-officially recognized education, and NIS 16.4 million was designated for exempt institutions under the "School of the Summer Vacation" program. The committee is also expected to approve over NIS 100 million in coalition funds for settlement expansion.

Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah party, expressed strong support for the decision, stating, "With God's help, we will continue to act decisively for the world of Torah and education, and will not relent until we secure all the rights and resources due to the Haredi education system." However, opposition members sharply criticized the timing and nature of the budget increases during the election period. MK Orit Farkash-Hacohen accused the Treasury representatives of presenting the additions as political, noting that the total increase for yeshivas, education, and Haredi culture this year already amounts to NIS 1.5 billion beyond the base budget. She condemned the coalition for turning taxpayer money into an election fund and warned voters against expecting different outcomes if they continue to support the current parties.

This budget decision highlights ongoing tensions between coalition priorities and opposition concerns over fiscal management and political influence in Israel's education funding, particularly in the Haredi sector. The Finance Committee's upcoming approvals for settlement funding further underscore the political stakes involved.