Former Prime Minister and current opposition leader Naftali Bennett published a 'New Deal for Education' on Thursday, outlining his post-election policy priorities. The plan includes a unified state school system, the elevation of the teaching profession into the AI era, and the transformation of 12th grade into a preparatory (pre-military/national service) year, alongside free daycare for combat and reserve soldiers' children.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett released a detailed education reform proposal on Thursday morning, framing it as a centerpiece of his party's platform for the upcoming national elections. The plan, which he dubbed 'A New Deal for Education,' calls for consolidating Israel's segregated school streams into one unified secular state-school system; modernizing teacher training and compensation to attract top talent in an AI-driven economy; making 12th grade a national preparatory year (known as a 'mechina' in Hebrew) combining civic, military, and professional preparation; and providing free daycare to reserve combat soldiers and their spouses as a recognition of their service. Bennett's track record as Education Minister (2015–2019) and his profile as a former prime minister give the proposal significant weight in the current campaign. The plan does not specify a detailed budget or timeline, and is presented as a long-term vision. As The Zioneer has reported, the government recently approved a national AI plan and launched AI-based English instruction in middle schools; Bennett's proposal positions AI in education within a broader overhaul of the school system, rather than a targeted pilot.
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