Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has informed coalition members that budgetary realities will compel an across the board cut. The cuts will include funding promised to the chareidi parties in coalition agreements earmarked for yeshivos and mosdos, as well as monthly child allowance payments. The response from Yahadut Hatorah has been loud and clear, “budgetary cuts will not be tolerated”, adding if the cuts are made it may result in the collapse of the coalition.

As it becomes clear to PM Netanyahu that Yahadut Hatorah is not willing to back down, a meeting was held on motzei Shabbos Matos/Masei with MKs Yaakov Litzman and Moshe Gafne in the hope of reaching understanding. Following the meeting in the Prime Minister’s Office it appears Yahadut Hatorah remains firm in its demands to receive everything promises in coalition talks, unwilling to accept cuts in budgetary allocations. Also taking part in the motzei Shabbos meeting were Director-General of the PM’s Office Eli Groner and Director-General of the Finance Minister Shai Babad.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)