Ben Gvir, Kisch vow to oppose budget unless it funds security at schools

By Ariela Karmel

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19 August 2025, 11:07 am

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Ariela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch attends a meeting of the Knesset Education, Culture, and Sports Committee in Jerusalem, May 12, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Education Minister Yoav Kisch say they will oppose the budget proposal being presented to the government today unless it includes funding for security at educational institutions in the coming school year.

“The security of Israel’s students comes before all else,” says Kisch in a statement. “It is inconceivable that while humanitarian aid to Gaza is being expanded, Israel’s students will be left without protection. We demand that the Finance Ministry close the budget gap and ensure full security at every school.”

“At a time when the Finance Ministry wants to expand the budget for humanitarian aid, it is harming the security of our children,” says Ben Gvir. “This is a disgrace that cannot be accepted.”

Kisch warned last week that the September 1 opening of the school year could be delayed if money is not found to pay for security. The ministers’ demand also comes amid a brewing labor dispute with the teachers union that threatens to delay the start of the school year.