October 28, 2026

Israel’s National Elections Highlight the Need for Civil Dialogue in Schools

The general elections held on October 27 delivered a pivotal moment in Israeli politics, characterized by an exceptionally high national turnout of 77.7%. Demonstrating high civic engagement, an estimated 70,000 Israelis living abroad traveled back to Israel specifically to cast their ballots in person. While the vote dealt a clear blow to the outgoing right-wing coalition block, reducing its hold to 53 seats, a drop of 15 seats from previous elections) it simultaneously reaffirmed trust in the Likud party led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu, which remained the largest single party with 27 seats. However, the most decisive shift emerged from Arab-Israeli society, where turnout skyrocketed to an unprecedented 77%, securing a historic 19 seats for Arab parties. This massive electoral surge reshaped the balance of power, leaving the political system in a complete deadlock where no single bloc can form a majority government.

In a deeply diverse nation, this complex reality and post-election ambiguity can easily spill into school corridors, sparking intense debates and emotional distress among youth. To address this complex reality, Amal Educational Network implemented a structured pedagogical solution led by Ohad Yaffeh, Director of Social and Civic Education. Through the “Civic Morning” (Shacharit Ezrachit) initiative, teachers facilitate brief, 10 to 15 minute daily sessions designed to serve as an “island of stability”. Guided by strict principles of pedagogical neutrality, factual verification, and active listening, these structured discussions give students a safe space to process current events, identify fake news, practice emotional regulation, and navigate non conclusive scenarios such as political stalemates, with mutual respect.

This proactive approach exemplifies Amal’s ongoing commitment to pioneering 21st-century education that responds dynamically to the unique character of its communities. Serving approximately 26,000 students across 50 high schools in 24 municipalities, nearly half of which are located in Arab, Druze, and Bedouin sectors, Amal leverages its diverse tapestry to model real-world democratic values. By cultivating critical thinking and respectful dialogue in times of national uncertainty, Amal ensures that its schools remain safe, unifying spaces while preparing Israel’s future citizens to navigate complexity with civic responsibility.