Israeli Public School Girls Lag Behind Haredi Peers in PISA Tests

Recent PISA test results reveal a significant decline in the performance of girls in Israel's state-run education system, with their scores now falling below those of their Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) counterparts. This educational gap is attributed to systemic failures within the education budget, as detailed in a report by Lior Detal.

The article highlights that the substantial representation of religious individuals within the 'Yashar' party raises questions about whether this will translate into votes for religious parties. Meanwhile, a legal battle is underway as the attorney for Otzma Yehudit, accused of murdering a Palestinian, seeks to disqualify the Ra'am party for allegedly supporting terrorism.

In other news, Armand Duplantis, the world record holder in pole vault, has composed an anthem for a new competition featuring elite athletes. Separately, reports suggest Prime Minister Netanyahu received a warning days before the October 7th Hamas attack but did not update the IDF or Shin Bet. This information was reportedly verified over 18 months by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval.

Further developments include the cancellation by Netanyahu of a decision by the Director General of the Israel Land Authority to dismiss a deputy director. The article also touches on broader societal issues, including a commentary on the 'banality of evil' within the prison service and a personal reflection on observing the future from a distant seat at a tennis stadium.