Coalition secures $82.6m for ultra-Orthodox education; opposition alleges ‘theft’

The Knesset Finance Committee approved 82.6 million dollars in coalition funds for the ultra-Orthodox education system, drawing criticism from the opposition. MK Naama Lazimi called the funding "theft from the serving public." Additionally, the committee allocated 52 million dollars in direct funding and 47 million dollars in commitment authorizations to the Settlements Ministry. Left-wing activists protested these allocations, asserting the coalition was funding "Jewish terrorism." The committee also approved 109 million dollars for communities along the Lebanon border and 26 million dollars to the Religious Services Ministry. Degel HaTorah chairman Moshe Gafni called the vote a "significant achievement," stating, "it is our duty to continue to care for Israel’s children and the Haredi education system." The funding includes allocations for Haredi culture, transportation, teacher training, and preventing yeshiva dropouts, despite previous government announcements to cease funding for ultra-Orthodox youths who refuse military service.