A close aide to Kiryat Shmona’s mayor was arrested early Sunday after allegedly clashing with the security detail of Education Minister Yoav Kisch during his visit to the northern city.
Pe’er Laredo, an advisor to Mayor Avichai Stern, reportedly attempted to enter a teachers’ room where Kisch was present. When security guards blocked his entry, a physical confrontation ensued.
Kisch, a Likud party member who had publicly opposed Stern’s reelection, was visiting Kiryat Shmona schools on the first day back after a lengthy closure. The city had been evacuated when Hezbollah began attacking Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre.
Laredo told Ynet News that he wanted to discuss safety concerns in the city’s schools but was stopped by Kisch’s security. “After being evacuated for a year and a half, I came to welcome the children and take my child back to school. It’s crazy that I’m now at the police station,” he said. “Kisch came for a political photo op and forgot the election season is over.”
Stern, who won reelection against Likud-backed Eli Zafrani in delayed elections, criticized Kisch’s visit, calling it a “cheap PR stunt.” Stern claimed that Kisch had delayed the reopening of schools and tried to take credit for the municipality’s efforts to prepare the schools for the return of students.
“It’s a shame he only found the motivation to visit now, after a year and a half,” Stern added.
Kisch’s office, in turn, stated that the Education Ministry had attempted to organize a tour in coordination with the municipality, but their requests had been repeatedly denied. The statement also accused Stern of sending “thugs” to confront the minister, leading to Laredo’s arrest by security forces.
Police confirmed that Laredo would be brought before a court in Kiryat Shmona, where a judge will decide whether to extend his detention.
Return to School for Kiryat Shmona’s Children
Approximately 63.7% of the 16,000 students evacuated during the war with Hezbollah returned to school on Sunday. In addition, 83.3% of evacuated teachers resumed their duties in the north.
Six-year-old Hillel Timsit, who resumed first grade in Kiryat Shmona after attending school in Jerusalem, shared his thoughts with Ynet. “I knew the school in Jerusalem wasn’t mine. I missed this one a lot,” he said. “My teacher there told me I’m a hero like the pioneers of the country. I’m the first to come back to my school.”
Lihi Kabilo, starting 12th grade, acknowledged the challenge of returning after such a long absence but felt it was an improvement compared to the conditions before.
A ceasefire with Hezbollah was implemented in November, and the Israeli government is working to bring the 60,000 evacuated residents back to their homes. However, many face obstacles due to extensive damage, with some expected to return after the Purim and Passover holidays, while others may wait until next year.
