Netanyahu's Coalition Faces New Rift Over Education Funding

Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties are testing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition unity with a demand for equal education funding for their schools. The dispute centers on implementing the 'New Horizon' program in ultra-Orthodox institutions. This is the latest in a series of tensions within the government over various policy issues.

Israel's ultra-Orthodox parties are once again challenging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, this time over education funding. The parties demand that their separate education system receive the same benefits as state-run schools, particularly the 'New Horizon' program, which extends school hours and hikes teacher pay. '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.

Haim Biton, a member of Shas, one of two Orthodox parties in the right-wing coalition, stated they would not leave the government over the issue. However, United Torah Judaism (UTJ) intends to boycott parliamentary votes until the funding issue is resolved. Coalition whip Ophir Katz is working to prevent a showdown as the vote on a 3.4 billion shekel ($918.35 million) budget boost looms, aimed at supporting Israelis displaced by rocket fire from Lebanon.

The ongoing disputes reflect the tensions within Netanyahu's coalition, which has faced nearly two years of constant crises, including mass protests against judicial reforms and the Gaza war. With a coalition comprising religious and hardline nationalist-religious parties and Netanyahu's own right-wing Likud party, internal relations have been fractious from the start. Despite these challenges, no party appears willing to quit the coalition over the issues, but the tensions could sow seeds for future conflicts.

(With inputs from agencies.)