Education Minister Yoav Kisch Forces Higher Education Legal Advisor's Resignation Amid Power Struggle

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch has succeeded in pushing out Yael Tur Kaspa, the legal advisor of the Council for Higher Education (CHE), with her resignation set for October 30. This means the next legal advisor will be appointed under a different minister, potentially restoring the role's integrity. Tur Kaspa's departure follows a prolonged power struggle, during which Kisch attempted to control the CHE and transform it into a politically aligned body.

Kisch's efforts intensified over the past year, highlighted by the CHE's controversial July statement opposing academic institution shutdowns during public protests, exceeding its legal authority. A key moment occurred in May 2023 when Kisch failed to appoint his ally, Professor Dudi Schwartz, as acting CHE deputy chair due to procedural rules requiring a majority of attendees rather than votes. Kisch and Schwartz blamed Tur Kaspa for this failure.

Despite this, Schwartz was only appointed in September 2025, and Tur Kaspa will remain until late 2026, ensuring Kisch cannot immediately replace her. Earlier, five CHE members resigned in protest over Kisch's cooperation with legislation segregating academia, doing so only after the Knesset dissolved. Kisch's aggressive approach signals to future opponents the likelihood of forceful removal attempts.

Additionally, Kisch is attempting to remove Gal Alon, head of the National Authority for Measurement and Evaluation in Education, after poor science test results were published. A 223-page audit report on Tur Kaspa, initiated by a committee led by Roee Folkman of the Yisrael party, was ruled flawed by the National Labor Court in June for not reflecting her perspective or considering necessary corrections.