Education Ministry director-general Asaf Tzalel resigned on Friday citing the debate surrounding the government's judicial reform plan as the reason.
"I have never belonged to one side or the other and I do not choose a side even today. The education system is stately and must be kept as such," wrote Tzalel in his resignation letter, calling for the education system to be used in order to repair the rifts in society.
"As a public representative, I want to take responsibility and end my role. The rift we have reached does not allow me to continue to exercise my responsibility properly."
Tzalel, who is a brigadier-general (res.), added that he will continue to serve as a pilot in the Israeli Air Force and "serve in the IDF with my head held high because this is the meaning of the phrase - 'I have no other country even if my land is on fire.'"
In a letter sent to employees of the ministry, Tzalel wrote, "I am writing to you on the verge of tears. As a public representative I asked to take responsibility for the situation that has arisen. I will not be able to continue serving the system that I love so much and I wanted to bring it to the safe haven it needs," according to Ynet.
N12 reported that the director-general told individuals close to him "I was torn between the responsibility and the red line I had set for myself. This government has crossed that line. I am taking responsibility and ending my role."
Education minister thanks director-general for professional work
Education Minister Yoav Kisch stated that he had received Tzalel's request to resign and thanked the director-general for "carrying out his duties in a professional and dedicated manner, while placing emphasis on the well-being of Israeli students and preparations for the beginning of the school year."
The director of the Jerusalem district, Meir Shimoni, will serve as interim director-general in Tzalel's place.