The political battle over core curriculum studies in Chareidi schools is intensifying ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections, with Channel 13 reporting that Shai Calderon, the Education Ministry official responsible for Chareidi education, has been summoned to a hearing after taking enforcement measures against institutions that failed to comply with ministry requirements.

According to the report, Calderon moved to close educational institutions that refused to incorporate core curriculum studies into their programs as required by law and ministry regulations, prompting strong opposition from the Chareidi parties.

Political pressure has been mounting in recent days from Chareidi lawmakers seeking Calderon’s removal from his position following those enforcement actions.

However, the effort has reportedly encountered legal obstacles. According to Channel 13, the Education Ministry’s legal advisers strongly opposed the move, arguing that Calderon was acting within his professional authority and enforcing existing law and regulations.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responded to the report, saying: “The government is punishing those who are trying to equip Chareidi students with mathematics and English, thereby condemning an entire generation of children to a life of poverty. In the next government, we will ensure that all Israeli children receive the tools to succeed in life and will not have to rely on government benefits.”

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