Education Minister Yoav Kish to Appoint Prof. Moshe Cohen-Eliya to Higher Education Council Amid University Resignations

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kish announced plans to appoint Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya, former president of the Academic Center for Law and Business in Ramat Gan, to the plenary of the Council for Higher Education (CHE). This move follows the resignation of four university representatives from the council, who stepped down amid escalating tensions between the Education Ministry and university leadership. Kish revealed the appointment during an interview with Yaakov Bardugo on Channel 14's "Weekend" program on August 6, 2026.

Kish criticized the universities for refusing to propose alternative representatives after the resignations, prompting him to increase representation from colleges instead. He emphasized his intention to appoint distinguished men and women from colleges, including female professors, to maintain gender balance within the council. Kish also singled out Tel Aviv University President Professor Ariel Porat, accusing him of politicizing the academic institution. The minister referenced a precedent-setting CHE decision banning university presidents from using their institutions for political purposes, warning that violators would face strict sanctions.

Professor Cohen-Eliya, an internationally recognized constitutional law scholar, expressed readiness for potential criticism following the announcement. The appointment signals a shift in the council's composition and reflects ongoing conflicts between the Education Ministry and university leadership over governance and political involvement in academia. The council's reconstitution is expected to proceed with increased college representation as universities remain reluctant to cooperate.