Ultra-Orthodox Minister Threatens to Block Judicial Overhaul Over Kindergarten Funding

Moshe Gafni, leader of the ultra-Orthodox Degel HaTorah party, threatened just hours before a parliamentary vote on Wednesday that he would not support the judicial overhaul legislation unless the government approved funding for kindergartens in ultra-Orthodox religious education.
Gafni’s last-minute ultimatum highlighted the fragile coalition dynamics within Israel’s right-wing government, where smaller parties wield significant leverage over major policy decisions. The threat came as the government prepared to advance the contentious justice system reform, which has become one of the most divisive issues in Israeli politics since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took office.
The judicial overhaul, known in Hebrew as the “yeomesh” reform, aims to curtail the Supreme Court’s authority and strengthen the government’s power. However, it has faced fierce opposition from civil society groups, legal experts, and the political centre-left, who argue it threatens democratic checks and balances.
Gafni’s demand for kindergarten funding underscores how coalition negotiations in the Israeli parliament often involve trading support on major legislation for unrelated benefits for specific constituencies. Ultra-Orthodox parties have traditionally leveraged their crucial votes to secure funding for their communities’ educational institutions and social services.
The timing of Gafni’s threat suggested potential last-minute negotiations within the coalition to keep the legislative process moving forward while addressing the concerns of its most demanding members.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.