JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israel’s attorney general has frozen the transfer of hundreds of millions of shekels in recently approved coalition funding for Haredi educational institutions and youth programs, citing legal and procedural concerns tied to military conscription policy and budget oversight rules.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said Monday that the funds, approved during late-night Knesset budget votes, cannot be released until they undergo required legal review. She argued the approvals were advanced without proper professional input and may run afoul of Supreme Court rulings concerning Haredi military exemptions and related state benefits.

The disputed allocations were directed toward Torah institutions and programs for at-risk Haredi youth. According to her office, the changes were inserted through last-minute budget amendments intended to redirect funding streams within government ministries in a way that bypasses standard review procedures.

Baharav-Miara instructed ministries not to implement the transfers until the legality of the process is examined, citing administrative requirements that mandate legal vetting of politically negotiated budget measures.

Opposition figures welcomed the decision. Yair Lapid said the move halted what he described as improper funding approvals and pledged continued opposition to measures benefiting those who avoid military service.

Representatives of Haredi parties strongly criticized the decision. MK Moshe Gafni said the budget had been properly approved by parliament and accused the attorney general of exceeding her authority.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in Israel over military conscription exemptions for Haredi men, as well as recurring conflicts between the government, the attorney general’s office, and the judiciary over control of budgetary decisions.