Religious Zionist Candidate Aims for Education Portfolio

Dr. Zvika Mor, chairman of the Hope Forum and father of a released hostage, has announced his aspiration to serve as Israel's next Education Minister. Mor, who is ranked fifth on the Religious Zionist party list, stated his intention in an interview with Radio Tzanar 104.5FM on September 9, 2026. He expressed pride in his son Eitan, who was held captive, and shared his personal journey into politics, which he attributes to divine guidance.

Mor explained his political platform is built on two pillars: security, stemming from his son's experience as a hostage, and education, his professional background. He previously served as a high school educator for nearly a decade and currently lectures in special education. "The subject of education interests me, I think I can contribute to the State of Israel in it," Mor said, adding, "I aspire to receive the Education portfolio. Not for nothing does everyone want this portfolio, everyone understands that everything depends on education."

Reflecting on the October 7th attacks, Mor criticized the media's handling of information, particularly a report in Haaretz alleging the UAE president warned Prime Minister Netanyahu about Hamas. Mor questioned why the report focused on the Prime Minister instead of the heads of the Shin Bet, Mossad, and IDF, suggesting that if the Prime Minister had acted and a massacre had occurred, he would have been held responsible. He described Netanyahu as "very cautious, sometimes too cautious."

Mor also commented on political campaigns, dismissing the Haredi draft campaign against the current government as ineffective and criticizing what he perceives as the left-wing parties' focus on attacking the right without offering concrete proposals for Israel's future. He believes his movement offers a message rooted in national identity and strong families, which he sees as the foundation for security and education.