Israeli Supreme Court Orders Cuts To Ultra-Orthodox Funding

Israel has withheld approximately $5 billion in funds from the Palestinian Authority for several years. The source stated that the situation has moved beyond political extortion to a risk of total collapse for the Palestinian Authority's political and service-oriented functions. Failure to resolve the crisis could lead to the authority's inability to perform its duties. Israel's Supreme Court has ordered the cutting of state funding for Ultra-Orthodox individuals who do not serve in the military. Previously, these individuals received taxpayer-funded support to focus on Torah studies instead of employment. The ruling targets those who refuse military service. The decision affects Talmudic schools and religious students who have historically relied on these subsidies.