Bennett Threatens to Cut Funds for Ultra-Orthodox Education Lacking Core Curriculum
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett threatened to cut all state funding for ultra-Orthodox education and Torah study if institutions do not teach a 100% core curriculum. Speaking a week before elections, Bennett also sharply criticized Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri. He stated that the October 7th attacks changed his views on educational priorities and societal integration.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former PM Naftali Bennett vowed to cut all state funding for ultra-Orthodox education lacking a core curriculum.
- Bennett sharply criticized Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri in a pre-election interview.
- He stated that the October 7th attacks changed his views on educational priorities.
- Bennett dismissed current poll results ahead of the upcoming elections.
- The former Prime Minister declared he is done trying to reach agreements with ultra-Orthodox leaders.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated in a fiery interview with Kikar HaShabbat that he has "finished trying to reach understandings with the leadership of the ultra-Orthodox public." He vowed to act to completely halt funding for Torah study and ultra-Orthodox education that does not teach a 100% core curriculum. Bennett also sharply criticized Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri, dismissed poll results, and explained how the October 7th attacks altered his views on Mansour Abbas and, by contrast, on ultra-Orthodox educational institutions.
The interview, taking place a week before elections, saw Bennett express strong opposition to the current approach to ultra-Orthodox education. He specifically targeted institutions that do not incorporate essential subjects like mathematics, English, and science into their studies, arguing that this approach is detrimental to the community's future and its integration into Israeli society. Bennett's remarks suggest a significant shift in his stance, indicating a willingness to use budgetary leverage to enforce educational reforms within the ultra-Orthodox sector.
Bennett's comments on the October 7th attacks highlighted a perceived change in his perspective. He suggested that the events of that day prompted a re-evaluation of alliances and educational priorities, leading him to believe that a more inclusive and comprehensive educational model is necessary for all sectors of Israeli society. His criticism of Deri and his threat to cut funding signal a potential future political battle over the allocation of state resources to religious and ultra-Orthodox institutions.
