Knesset Approves Law Barring Palestinian Authority Graduates from Teaching in Israeli Schools, Including East Jerusalem

Knesset Passes Controversial Education Bill

The Israeli Knesset, the country's parliament, approved a new law on Wednesday, January 22, 2026, that will significantly restrict the employment of teachers holding academic degrees from Palestinian Authority (PA) universities within the Israeli education system, including schools in occupied East Jerusalem. The bill passed its second and third readings with 31 votes in favor, 10 against, and one abstention.

The legislation, sponsored by Likud MKs Amit Halevi and Avichay Buaron, among others, stipulates that academic degrees from PA higher education institutions will generally not be considered sufficient qualifications for employment as teachers, principals, or educational inspectors in Israeli schools.

Justification and Opposition

Proponents of the law argue it is necessary to prevent 'incitement against Israel' and to uphold 'the educational values of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.' MK Avichay Buaron stated that academic training in the Palestinian Authority 'fosters incitement against the State of Israel and does not align with the principles and values upon which education in the State of Israel is based.' He also claimed that approximately 4,000 of the 6,700 teachers in Jerusalem are graduates of PA institutions and act as 'emissaries' of the Authority.

However, the law has drawn strong criticism from Arab Israeli lawmakers and opposition members, who have labeled it 'discriminatory,' 'racist,' and a 'serious violation of the right to education and equality of opportunity.' The Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee's legal advisor, Tami Sela, raised concerns about 'constitutional difficulties' and noted a lack of sufficient factual basis to justify infringing upon employment rights. Talal Alkernawi, Mayor of Rahat, expressed fears that the law could lead to increased unemployment among teachers, particularly in the Negev region. Critics also view the measure as part of a broader effort to 'Israelize' East Jerusalem and erode Palestinian national identity.

Scope and Transitional Provisions

The new law introduces amendments to the State Education Law and the Schools Supervision Law. It will not apply to teachers already employed by the education ministry. Additionally, individuals who have completed at least one academic year at a Palestinian institution may still be employed if they obtain an Israeli teaching certificate within two years. Teachers with a PA degree who also hold a degree from an Israeli university can be employed, unless their employment is proven to have a 'harmful influence on students or minors.' The law will also extend to school principals with Palestinian degrees in three years, unless they possess an Israeli university degree.

Data presented during deliberations indicated that in the current school year, approximately 6,700 teachers are employed in East Jerusalem, with at least 60% holding a bachelor's degree from a Palestinian academic institution. Over the past decade, 11% of the 30,339 teachers who entered the Arab education system held academic degrees from the Palestinian Authority, with 62% of these teaching in East Jerusalem.

Broader Educational Context

This legislative action is set against a backdrop of ongoing Israeli policies aimed at influencing the education system in East Jerusalem. These efforts have included imposing modified Palestinian textbooks and promoting the Israeli curriculum, with some Palestinian schools facing threats of license revocation for using unadjusted materials.