Director of Education ministry Assaf Tzalel resigned: Deepening rift hinders my ability to serve

Director General of the Ministry of Education, Assaf Tzalel, has tendered his resignation in protest of the controversial coup d'état legislation. In a statement released by Tzalel, he expressed his inability to continue fulfilling his responsibilities effectively, citing a deepening rift that hinders his ability to serve the education system properly. As a public representative, he emphasized his desire to take responsibility for the situation and end his duties.

It has come to light that Tzalel had considered resigning a month prior due to alleged political interference by Education Minister Yoav Kish and his office in decisions and appointments within the ministry. After assurances from the Education Minister that such interference would cease, Tzalel decided to remain in his position. However, the recent approval of the law to cancel the reason for reasonableness proved to be the final straw, leading Tzalel to seriously contemplate resignation.

Sources reveal that Tzalel, a former lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, lacked administrative experience in the education system when he was appointed to the CEO position in January. Despite his educational background, which includes volunteer work in schools, training young teachers, and supporting struggling students, his tenure faced challenges and controversies.

One notable incident involved Tzalel reprimanding a school principal, Uri Les, for calling for a demonstration in support of democracy, individual and minority rights, and against the tyranny of the majority. The director general cited circulars stating that teaching staff should maintain a neutral appearance devoid of defined political viewpoints.

In response to Tzalel's resignation, Education Minister Yoav Kish expressed gratitude for his service and announced that Meir Shimoni, the director of the Jerusalem district of the ministry, would take over as the new director general.

Moreover, the coup d'état legislation has stirred discontent among Likud officials, with prominent figures like Yuli Edelstein and MK Eli Dallel voicing opposition to unilateral legislative moves by the coalition. They emphasized the need for broad national consensus and compromise in pushing forward with reforms.

The resignation of the Ministry of Education's Director General and the growing discontent within the coalition government over the coup laws are sure to have significant implications on the political landscape, as tensions and disagreements continue to mount.