Israel’s rabbinical courts are facing an unprecedented crisis that could result in a shutdown beginning Sunday after the High Court froze budget transfers approved by the Knesset Finance Committee, Army Radio reported.

According to a senior official in the Religious Services system, all services provided by the rabbinical courts could be suspended if the funding is not released.

The budget transfer of about NIS 18 million budget transfer was intended to pay essential service providers, including Microsoft, which provides the server infrastructure and technological systems used by the administration of the rabbinical courts.

Officials said the funds had already been committed to the company and other suppliers, who agreed to delay payment until the Finance Committee approved the transfer.

However, the High Court’s interim order froze the transfer before it could take effect. Senior officials warn that the funding freeze could directly disrupt critical services provided to members of the public seeking urgent assistance from the rabbinical courts.

If the funding is not released, court operations could be suspended at the start of next week, affecting hearings, case management, and public services that rely on the computerized systems.

This is not the first time unpaid debts have threatened to disrupt the courts’ operations. Several months ago, Microsoft suspended its services because of an outstanding debt, causing significant disruptions.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)