Israel risks falling behind in the fields of science and technology due to “populist” schools, Minister of Science Daniel Hershkowitz (Jewish Home) warned Tuesday. “The problem in Israel is the populist school system, which over the years has lowered the requirements for Bagrut [Matriculation] grades instead of raising the level of instruction,” he said.

However, he said, currently Israel “is a world power in terms of science and technology.”

Hershkowitz made his remarks while addressing the Knesset in honor of National Science Day.