NIS 460 million at the heart of the storm: High Court enters the clash over coalition funds

The High Court of Justice will hear a petition by Hiddush and MK Naama Lazimi against the convening of the Knesset Finance Committee during the election recess and the approval of transferring some NIS 460 million in coalition funds. The petitioners claim the convening was unlawful and that Chairman Amir Ohana exceeded his authority. The Knesset and the Finance Ministry argue the discussion was held lawfully.

The High Court of Justice will hear a petition filed by the Hiddush association and MK Naama Lazimi against the convening of the Knesset Finance Committee on August 4, 2026, after the Knesset entered its election recess on July 18, 2026. The petitioners argue that the committee was convened unlawfully, without the consent of the Arrangements Committee, and in violation of the required restraint during an election period. According to them, the transfer of budgets on a broad scale was approved, including about NIS 460 million in coalition funds and hundreds of millions of shekels more for political purposes, contradicting the legal arrangement set for the recess. It was also claimed that no written legal opinion was placed before the committee, and that committee chairman Amir Ohana exceeded his authority by allowing the convening. In contrast, the Knesset and the Finance Ministry argue that the discussion was held lawfully and that there is no grounds for intervention.