Rahat Municipality Shuts Schools to Block Knesset Education Committee Visit

The Rahat municipality decided to close all educational institutions in the city ahead of a planned visit by the Knesset Education Committee, chaired by MK Tzvi Sukkot. The closure, scheduled for Sunday, was criticized sharply by Sukkot, who called it an admission of failure and accused the municipality of trying to hide issues within its education system. He emphasized that the committee's role is to oversee education across Israel, including Arab communities, and is not an adversary to Rahat's students.

Recently, the committee has conducted several tours in Arab educational institutions to closely examine programs aimed at preventing violence amid rising crime in the Arab sector. The committee also inspects curricula, local infrastructure, how educational staff handle personal security challenges, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Sukkot condemned the municipality's labeling of parliamentary oversight as a "provocation" and its choice to close schools rather than allow committee members to observe the situation firsthand. He argued that if the education system in Rahat were functioning properly, there would be no reason to fear the visit. He described the school closures as the real provocation, harming thousands of students for political reasons and obstructing the Knesset's supervisory work.

The Education Committee intends to continue its oversight duties without fear or bias, prioritizing student welfare, education quality, and adherence to Israeli law above political considerations, Sukkot concluded.