Heads of local authorities in northern Israel have threatened to boycott the opening of the school year, citing ongoing security concerns and inadequate protection for students. This declaration came during a tense meeting with Education Minister Yoav Kish and Home Front Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo.
Moshe Davidovich, Chairman of the Confrontation Line Forum, led the meeting, expressing severe criticism of the government's handling of security issues in the north. "This government will be recorded in history as the one who abandoned our children," Davidovich stated. He announced his refusal to open schools, kindergartens, and other educational institutions that lack proper protection.
During the meeting, Davidovich unexpectedly played a recorded air raid siren, causing attendees to react. "You [were terrified]– This is how our children feel," he told the officials, attempting to illustrate the daily reality for northern residents over the past 11 months.
The northern leaders' frustration stems from recent events, including a preemptive strike by the IDF against Hezbollah, which was reportedly aimed at preventing attacks on central Israel. This action led to a heavy rocket barrage on northern settlements, exacerbating the sense of vulnerability among residents.
Davidovich and other authority heads argue that the government has consistently neglected their security needs. "We've warned, talked, and shouted in the media about the protection issue for the last five years. We said - and got zero," he emphasized.
The crisis extends beyond the immediate security situation. Local authorities have warned that 26% of educational institutions across the country, serving approximately 472,000 students, still lack proper protection. In Jerusalem, the gap in protection for educational institutions stands at about 35%, in Haifa at 33%, in the Gush Dan area at 31%, and in central, Sharon, northern, and southern areas at about 20%.
Education Minister Kish responded to the concerns, stating, "I understand Moshe's anger. You won't be left alone, we'll make the decision together." However, the northern leaders remain skeptical about the government's commitment.
As the scheduled start of the school year approaches, the standoff between local leaders and the government intensifies, with the safety of students and staff at the center of the debate.
* Maariv and Walla contributed to this article.