Israeli school officials fear anti-LGBTQ turn

STORY: Incoming Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu has named a far-right politician with a history of anti-LGBTQ speech to head a new National Jewish Identity body - giving him powers over some school activities.

Avi Maoz's appointment drew outcry from mayors, municipalities and 300 school principals, who told Netanyahu they wouldn't play along with a politician who endangers pluralism and democratic values.

Maoz has said he wants to beat back progressive agendas in schools and strengthen national Jewish identity.

As a deputy minister in charge of the new body, he'll have authority over extra-curricular content like guest lecturers in Israeli classrooms.

Tehila is a support group for parents of LGBTQ children, and it sends speakers to schools. Chair Miri Bialer says stopping that would turn back the clock.

"It's putting the children back in the closet and sending them back into ignorance,” she says.

Last week, Maoz called for the Jerusalem gay pride march to be cancelled, describing it as "an abominable and promiscuous parade".

That prompted Netanyahu to pledge the event would go ahead.

Maoz has said he is not anti-gay but rather opposed to the LGBTQ movement.

He said the outcry was part of a "wild campaign" by the left after it lost the election.

"This campaign is nothing less than an incitement to rebellion and an attempt to prevent a prime minister designate forming the only legitimate and elected government after the election."

Omri Aharon is the father of a first-grader.

"If it really is going in that direction, then of course I'm against it. Because it doesn't sound like something liberal right now. It sounds like it will take our culture and our children backwards. And I wouldn't like to see such changes."

Netanyahu's government will be one of the most right-wing in Israel's history,

He has rejected criticism of the appointment, saying he would lead his government according to the "national and democratic principles" that had always guided him.