NGO seeks ruling on draft-linked tax discounts after Sa’ar appointed interior minister

NGO Israel Hofsheet petitioned the High Court to compel newly appointed Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar to decide by November 25 whether to condition municipal tax discounts on military service regularization, arguing the government's reason for delay—the absence of a minister—no longer applies.

The government approved Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar as interior minister on Wednesday, ending a vacancy of over a year. NGO Israel Hofsheet immediately petitioned the High Court of Justice to require Sa'ar to decide by November 25 whether to condition municipal property tax discounts on regularization of military service status. The group argued that the government's stated reason for delay—the absence of an authorized minister—no longer applies. The High Court had ordered a decision within 35 days in April 2026, but the May 31 deadline passed. The state's own updates showed preparatory work was completed, including draft regulations submitted on May 18. Sa'ar retains the foreign affairs portfolio. His appointment comes as Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot works to form a government after the October 27 election, with haredi conscription remaining a central obstacle in coalition talks.