Israel's Ultra-Orthodox Parties Challenge Netanyahu Government Over Education Funding
By Steven Scheer
Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties are once again testing the unity of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, this time over education funding. The latest rift revolves around the ultra-Orthodox push for schools in their separate education system to receive the same benefits as state-run schools, particularly their "New Horizon" program, which increases school hours and raises teacher pay significantly.
"For a year we have been fighting for the entry of 'New Horizon' into ultra-Orthodox institutions. There is no reason for our teachers to be discriminated against," said ultra-Orthodox Education Minister Haim Biton of the Shas party.
While Biton stated that they would not leave the government over this issue, the other ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism (UTJ), threatened to boycott votes in parliament until the funding matter is resolved.
The ongoing dispute is just one of many that have underscored the tensions within Netanyahu's coalition, which includes religious and hardline nationalist parties. With 64 seats in parliament, Netanyahu's coalition has faced challenges from far-right parties led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over various issues, including the recent Gaza war and judicial reforms.
Despite the tensions, none of the parties have shown a willingness to leave the government, especially with an upcoming election looming. However, the current conflicts could sow the seeds for future problems within the coalition.
Analysis:
The ongoing challenges between Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties and the government over education funding highlight the internal tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition. The demands for equal benefits for ultra-Orthodox schools and the threats of boycotting votes in parliament could potentially lead to further instability within the government. While none of the parties have indicated a desire to leave the coalition, the unresolved issues could contribute to future problems and potentially impact the overall stability of the government. Investors and the general public should monitor the situation closely as it unfolds, as any significant developments could have implications for the political landscape and potentially affect financial markets in Israel.