High Court Rules Frozen Funds for Ultra-Orthodox Schools Require Core Studies

The High Court of Justice ruled today that 100 million shekels earmarked for ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, which were frozen earlier this year, will only be released to institutions teaching core curriculum subjects. The decision followed petitions filed separately by Yair Lapid and Yesh Atid MKs, as well as MK Naama Lazimi and the Hiddush organization, challenging the transfer of 1.1 billion shekels to ultra-Orthodox institutions receiving full funding despite not teaching core studies.

The budget transfer had been approved by the Knesset Finance Committee in late 2025, but discussions revealed that one billion shekels had already been transferred to institutions before obtaining committee approval. The High Court froze the remaining 100 million shekels included in the petitions, adopting the Attorney General's framework stating that non-compliant institutions will not receive additional funds for 2025.