Netanyahu: A Chareidi Child Should Not Receive Less Than a Secular Child

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday that “a chareidi and religious child should not receive less than a secular child” in response to controversy surrounding funds in the planned state budget being transferred to chareidi schools during a Cabinet meeting in the Kosel Tunnels.

Referring to anti-chareidi statements made by a presenter on Channel 12 over the weekend, Netanyahu stressed that “a chareidi child is not half a child. No one should see the defamation on the media and cartoons that are copy-pasted antisemitic propaganda. No incitement will prevent us from passing the budget.”

Netanyahu added that the state budget must be passed “for the sake of our security and our future.”

“Arguments always arise at the last minute, I believe we will overcome them. For our opponents – do not develop expectations, because you will only be disappointed,” said Netanyahu.

The prime minister additionally addressed statements by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas claiming that the Jews have no connection to Har HaBayis, saying “for his attention we are holding the special Cabinet meeting this morning at the foot of Har HaBayis on which Shlomo built the First Beis Mikdash. The City of David was already here 3,000 years ago. The connection of the Jewish people to Yerushalayim is a connection that cannot be compared among the nations.

“To the political opponents I say you should stop with your displays of hypocrisy and wild incitement,” added the prime minister. “You distributed funds every week to the Joint List and other parties just to sustain your failed government. You are on the right and enlightened side. What hypocrisy, what a lie.”

The Knesset is preparing to vote on the 2023-2024 overall budget, allocating NIS 484.8 billion this year and NIS 513.7 billion in 2024, up from NIS 452.5 billion in 2022. Failure to pass the state budget by May 29 would trigger the automatic dissolution of the government and snap elections.