The reason that Israeli schools and American schools differ, stem from the fact that originally, Israel needed fast results.

in 1948, Israel started getting boat loads of Jewish immigrants (a lot of them just out of the holocaust and uneducated). Additionally they were at war and trying to build a country fast. So instead of going for liberal arts and such, the college education is much more direct and to the point. So after 3-4 years, these people can go out and help the new county.

This is also seen in the fact that majors are picked in High School also, to further pinpoint what you are going to do for the society, and then get it done.