Education Minister Yoav Kish Warns Right-Wing Parties Against Splitting Ahead of Elections

Education Minister Yoav Kish of the Likud party expressed serious concern on Wednesday about the fragmentation within the right-wing bloc ahead of the upcoming elections, particularly following the launch of a new party by Ofer Winter. In a 103fm interview, Kish warned that losing votes due to multiple right-wing lists could severely damage the bloc’s chances, urging all right-wing factions to reach agreements before the September 7 election. He emphasized that the left is well-organized for the elections, while the right is not, calling on key figures including Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Ofer Winter to set aside their egos to prevent harm to the right-wing camp.

Kish also addressed a recent incident involving MK Tzvi Sukkot, chairman of the Knesset Education Committee, who was filmed destroying a Palestinian monument in the West Bank. While Kish agreed the monument should be removed, he criticized Sukkot’s direct involvement, calling it a "foolish act" that damaged Israel’s image and stating that such actions should be carried out by the IDF, not a member of parliament.

Regarding the upcoming school year starting next week, Kish assured that preparations are progressing smoothly and no significant disruptions are expected. He noted that wage agreements are in place with both the Teachers’ Union and the Histadrut. Kish expressed his desire to continue as education minister in the next government and outlined his "New Deal in Education," which includes plans for an initial budget increase of at least 15 billion shekels, reducing class sizes to about 20 students, expanding artificial intelligence use in education, moving to a five-day school week, and training high-tech workers to enter teaching roles.