While the Ministerial Share the Burden Committee continues to formulate policy to induct bnei yeshivos into the IDF, it appears the committee is running into opposition from the treasury. The Finance Ministry appears unwilling to fund some of the programs that are being “tailored” to meet the needs of thousands of chareidi inductees.

According to Maariv, a representative of the treasury made a first appearance before the committee on Sunday, 3 Sivan 5773, telling committee chair Minister Yaakov Peri and his colleagues that the treasury will not be capable of funding some of the projects adopted by the committee.

Some of the logistical preparedness to accommodate chareidi recruits may be without funding, as well as incentives aimed at encouraging yeshivos to cooperate with the new draft plan. The treasury official stated there will not be any funding for incentives due to the major cuts included in the state budget.

Minister Limor Livnat questioned how the committee can give financial incentives to yeshivos from their existing budget. She questioned if the committee is expected to take the budget from yeshivos and then give it back as a financial incentive. The treasury official is quoted as saying that this be as it may, there is no money available for incentives.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)