MK Avi Maoz Runs Independently, Vows Equal Education Funding and Opposes Draft for Torah Students

MK Avi Maoz, chairman of the Noam LeIsrael party, announced in an interview with Kikar HaShabbat that he intends to run independently through the upcoming elections to preserve the right-wing bloc's power. Maoz rejects claims that his candidacy risks splitting right-wing votes and directly appeals to voters from Shas, United Torah Judaism, and the traditional public, setting his goal to become the next Minister of Education. He promises full and equal funding for all children’s education regardless of core curriculum study percentages, a stance he says even the ultra-Orthodox parties have not fully embraced.

Maoz emphasizes his firm position on the military draft law, stating that Torah students will not be drafted, while those not studying Torah will receive conditions to enlist and maintain their religious identity. He stresses his commitment to saving the right-wing government, criticizing ultra-Orthodox parties for allegedly enabling a left-leaning government despite right-wing votes. Maoz calls for unity within the right-wing bloc and insists his party will be the "61st finger" supporting the right-wing coalition, not a swing vote for former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot.

Addressing his political strategy, Maoz says he is recruiting unexpected candidates, including Be’er Sheva Deputy Mayor Shimon Tobol and Israeli hero Eliyahu Leibman, and is open to alliances with disappointed ultra-Orthodox voters and other right-wing factions. He highlights his appeal to the religious-nationalist, ultra-Orthodox, and traditional sectors who value both Torah and the IDF.

Regarding education policy, Maoz pledges to establish a ministry policy that guarantees equal funding for every child, independent of their core curriculum studies, aiming to correct what he calls a severe inequality in current funding. On the draft law, he reiterates his position that Torah learners will be exempt from service, while others will be supported to enlist under conditions that preserve their religious status.

Maoz’s campaign is framed as a mission to rescue the right-wing bloc and ensure a government aligned with their values, promising to represent those who feel betrayed by existing ultra-Orthodox parties and to uphold a fully religious approach within the Ministry of Education.