Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu achieved a majority in the cabinet today to approve the law granting free education to Israeli schoolchildren from the age of three. 21 ministers supported the bill while eight were opposed.
Israel Beitenu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak's Atzmaut party opposed the bill but Netanyahu was able to pass the bill by reaching an agreement with the Shas ministers. Under the agreement, the government will not impose the planned 4% across the board ministerial budget cut on local authorities and Project Renewal.
The new law will make education free from the age of three from the school year which begins in September. At present free education is from the age of five. The new bill will also give assistance in afternoon classes for parents who are working.
After the bill was approved Netanyahu said, "This is an historic decision which changes public priorities. 2012 will be a year of security and education. The IDF defends the country therefore we have increased its budget."
Interior Minister Eli Yishai said, "The free education law for preschoolers is appropriate and welcome on condition that it does not harm the disadvantaged."
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 8, 2012
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