Israeli Government Conditions Ultra-Orthodox School Funding on Core Curriculum Compliance

The Israeli Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, informed the Supreme Court that continued government funding for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) educational networks will be contingent on meeting core curriculum requirements starting this year. Conditions for funding include employing qualified teaching staff, full participation in assessment systems, cooperation with oversight mechanisms, and compliance with reporting obligations.

This position was submitted in response to a petition by the Hadash movement challenging the planned transfer of approximately one billion shekels annually from the government to independent Haredi education networks "Ofek Hadash" and "Gafn." The petition argues these networks do not provide a full core curriculum, a requirement for full funding. The Supreme Court has already issued an injunction freezing the transfer of funds.

Data from the Ministry of Education reveals significant gaps in these networks’ adherence to teaching the full core curriculum, as well as deficiencies in oversight enforcement. A notable portion of core subject teachers lack the required qualifications, and about one-third of institutions have no properly qualified core subject teacher. The Attorney General’s office emphasized the urgent need for an updated and effective supervision system to ensure compliance at each institution.

The government’s response highlighted a legal controversy over the unique status granted to these networks under the Budget Foundations Law, which mandates full funding "like all Israeli children," despite their designation as "recognized but unofficial institutions" that typically qualify for only 75% funding. The Ministry of Education has allowed these schools to teach only 75% of the core curriculum hours as a condition for inclusion in the network, a practice criticized by the petitioners.

Hadash’s legal advisor, Dr. Yifat Solel, stated the government’s position confirms the petition’s claims of longstanding legal violations by the Ministry of Education, which allowed tens of thousands of Haredi children to receive inadequate education. She called for the upcoming school year to begin with budget cuts for institutions not teaching the core curriculum, primarily affecting most Haredi schools.