Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Political reporters Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

Following the High Court's Wednesday ruling temporarily halting a transfer of funds to ultra-Orthodox schools, Sokol and Karmel discuss the implications of the petition against the transfer, reactions from ultra-Orthodox leadership, and the broader context of judicial reform amid budget tensions and coalition politics.

After Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened High Court President Isaac Amit over a ruling regarding Army Radio, Karmel reports on the ostensible incitement and the willingness expressed by some members of the government to defy court rulings against the backdrop of the coalition's attempts to neuter the power of the courts.

As several Haredi parties battle over appointments to the Jerusalem rabbinate, the argument has spilled over into national politics, says Sokol, highlighting divisions in ultra-Orthodox politics.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

High Court halts transfer of NIS 1 billion to Haredi schools as it reviews case

Lapid petitions High Court to halt billion-shekel transfer to ultra-Orthodox schools

Supreme Court chief says Smotrich crossed ‘red line’ by pledging to ‘trample’ him

Smotrich vows to ‘trample’ Supreme Court president in blistering attack

Shas, Degel HaTorah trade barbs in fight for control of Jerusalem religious council

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves.

IMAGE: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich leads a faction meeting at the Knesset on December 29, 2025 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)