Israel Enacts Law Critics Say Discriminates Against Palestinian-Trained Teachers

The Israeli parliament on Wednesday passed legislation barring most graduates of Palestinian Authority academic institutions from teaching in Israel’s public education system, a move critics say amounts to discriminatory policy targeting Arab educators.

The law was approved in its second and third readings by a vote of 31–10, with one abstention. Three lawmakers present did not vote.

Initiated by Likud lawmakers Amit Halevi and Avichai Boaron, the legislation states it aims to prevent what it calls the “harmful influence of the Palestinian Authority,” which it describes as hostile to Israel and its values, and to safeguard Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state.

Who the Law Applies To — and Who Is Exempt

The law does not apply retroactively to teachers already employed by the state or to those who received hiring approval before the legislation's passage.

Under the new rules, graduates of Palestinian Authority institutions may receive special approval to teach only if they also hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by Israel’s Council for Higher Education. Even then, approval can be denied if the Education Ministry determines that their employment could harm students or minors.

School principals and supervisors are excluded from the law for three years, and are fully exempt if they also hold an Israeli-recognized academic degree.

In addition, anyone holding — or partially completing — a degree from a Palestinian institution will be required to obtain an Israeli teaching certificate within two years to remain eligible for employment.

Impact Concentrated in East Jerusalem and the Negev

Data presented by the Knesset’s Research and Information Center show that over the past decade, more than 30,000 new teachers entered the Arab education system. About 11% held degrees from Palestinian Authority institutions, a share that has steadily increased.

Among those teachers, 62% work in East Jerusalem, 29% in Bedouin schools in the Negev, and 9% elsewhere.

In East Jerusalem, the impact is expected to be particularly severe. Of roughly 6,700 teachers currently employed in the city’s Arab education system, at least 60% hold degrees from Palestinian institutions. Education officials say at least 540 additional teachers will be needed in the coming five years as new schools open.

Legal Concerns Raised During Deliberations

The Knesset Education Committee’s legal adviser, Tami Sela, warned during deliberations that the law infringes on freedom of occupation and may not meet standards of proportionality.

“There was no factual basis presented for the sweeping claim that everyone who studied at Palestinian academic institutions poses harm to students,” Sela said, adding that the law’s stated goals could be achieved through less restrictive measures.

A Justice Ministry representative echoed those concerns, saying that while amendments improved the balance compared to the original draft, “the difficulty has not been eliminated.”

Supporters Cite Security, Opponents Call Law Racist

Supporters of the law framed it as a security necessity. Boaron said it was required to prevent another Oct. 7-style attack, claiming that thousands of teachers trained by the Palestinian Authority act as ideological emissaries in Israeli schools.

Former Education Committee chairman MK Yousef Tayeb said Israel “cannot accept that people educated in institutions that encourage hatred and terrorism teach our children — even in Arab society.”

Opponents strongly rejected those claims. Former MK Yousef Atauna said the law amounted to collective punishment and racial discrimination.

“You cannot label everyone who studied there a ticking time bomb,” he said. “This is racist and offensive legislation that will harm East Jerusalem and the Negev.”

MK Yasmin Friedman warned the law could worsen unemployment and instability. “What alternatives are you offering?” she asked. “If there are no teachers, where will these young people go — to crime?”

Debate Reflects Broader Tensions

The legislation highlights growing tensions in Israel over education, security, and the status of Arab citizens, particularly in East Jerusalem and peripheral regions. While proponents argue the law strengthens national resilience, critics say it risks deepening social divisions and undermining already strained education systems.

The law is expected to face legal challenges in Israel’s Supreme Court.