Israel approves bill targeting Arab teachers in East Jerusalem as supporters of ‘terror’

The Israeli Knesset yesterday passed a bill, in both its second and third readings, that would allow for the prosecution of teachers and educational professionals who Tel Aviv claims “support terror”.

The bill, co-introduced by MKs Zvika Fogel (Otzma Yehudit) and Amit Halevi (Likud), passed with 55 votes in favour and 45 against, reported the Times of Israel. 

According to the bill’s explanatory notes, it allows the ministry to reduce funding for schools found to support or endorse terrorist acts or organisations. The law is directed toward Arab schools in occupied East Jerusalem, where Israeli authorities allege “incitement of minors against the State of Israel” and “glorification of terrorists.” These activities, the notes claim, have a “destructive and long-term impact,” contributing to the “large number of minors from East Jerusalem” involved in attempted attacks.

“Education is a central and significant factor that motivates many terrorist attacks against the State of Israel,” Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said.

In response, the Arab Education Follow-up Committee criticised the legislation, which is framed as a measure to combat “terrorism,” calling it an effort to instil fear and stifle free speech and critical education.

They further announced plans to collaborate with human rights organisations to explore the possibility of filing a legal challenge, asserting that this law is another effort to silence Palestinian society within the country.

“This law is nothing but an additional step in a systematic policy to subject Palestinian society inside the country to not present any critical thought that contradicts the prevailing thought and general approach,” the committee explained.

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