Knesset Legal Advisor Defends Budget Transfers Amid Election Recess

Knesset legal advisor Sagit Afik responded to petitions challenging the budget transfers approved by the Finance Committee on August 4, which allocated billions, including funds for religious institutions and settlements. Afik ruled that the petitions and the interim injunction freezing the transfers should be dismissed, stating that the Finance Committee's process contained no defects warranting judicial intervention. Opposition members criticized the timing of the transfers, arguing they were improperly conducted during the election recess. Afik countered that the Knesset Speaker holds the authority to convene committees in special circumstances, including those involving budget transfers and coalition matters.