American millionaire and philanthropist Michael Milken said on Tuesday during his visit to Israel that the government should invest in education to repair the system. His comments were made as high schools remained shut down by a strike now in its 50th day. Milken emphasized the need to expand "human capital," a term referring to the knowledge and experience of people and which represents the most valuable asset in the world.

He argued that overhauling the educational system could put Israel in the forefront of solving global problems, including terrorism, poverty and pollution. "Israel must address the challenges within its educational infrastructure," he stated at the Israel Business Leadership Meeting in Tel Aviv. "A continuing and increased focus on the country's elementary and secondary education system for all citizens will better prepare the next generation to participate in the global knowledge industries of the future."