Minister Ben-Gvir Sparks Controversy Distributing Gun-Shaped Keychains at School

A municipal council member in Ramat Gan has called for an intervention by the city's education authority following controversial events at Blich High School on election day. Liad Ilani claimed that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir distributed keychains shaped like handguns, which also function as bottle openers, to students. Ilani stated that while it's important for high school students, some of whom will vote for the first time soon, to be exposed to various candidates and platforms, schools should not become unregulated playgrounds for politicians. He described the distribution of the gun-shaped items as a failure requiring immediate educational oversight.

The incident occurred during the school's traditional mock elections, which saw politicians and party representatives visit. The event was marked by significant commotion around Ben-Gvir, with many students seeking photos. Political debates also erupted between students and party representatives. During a speech by MK Merav Ben-Ari of Yesh Atid, criticizing Ben-Gvir and the issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox men into the army, audience members reacted and threw cups, though Ben-Ari continued her remarks. The article also notes that discussions about partnerships with Arab parties, the draft of Haredim, and the war in Gaza fueled confrontations during the event, held 40 days before the upcoming Knesset elections.