Israeli Journalists Association Board Moves to Oust Chairman Har-Zahav

The executive board of the Journalists' Association has initiated proceedings to remove its chairman, Haim Har-Zahav, from his position. The decision was made unanimously by 13 of the 21 board members present at an emergency Zoom meeting on Sunday. The board cited a series of "problematic and serious actions" by Har-Zahav that they believe endanger the organization's integrity and proper functioning, following numerous unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issues.

Har-Zahav, who also chairs the executive board, was not present for the vote. The board stated he was given an opportunity to participate in scheduling the meeting and present his case but chose not to. Due to the absence of a specific procedure in the organization's bylaws for removing a chairman, and considering his unique legal standing, the board decided, on the advice of the organization's legal counsel, to pursue an "especially stringent process."

The unprecedented move is the culmination of a months-long conflict between Har-Zahav and the organization's professional staff, led by CEO Michal Gra-Margalit. The dispute escalated when Har-Zahav reportedly offered Gra-Margalit a severance package for an early resignation, threatening termination if she refused, without consulting the board or legal counsel. This action was described by four veteran employees, including Anat Sargsati and Nir Gontaz, as a "red line" and an attempt by Har-Zahav to become a "sole ruler" who interfered with professional work against the organization's interests.

The association's audit committee found Har-Zahav's offer to be "blatant, unusual, and improper," concluding that he acted to dismiss the CEO without board discussion or legal advice. While an external legal review later adopted the committee's findings, it suggested the core issue stemmed from unclear bylaws regarding the division of authority between different roles. Har-Zahav had previously appealed to the organization's internal tribunal, challenging a July decision by the board to adopt a new framework for dividing powers, which he claimed improperly transferred authority from elected officials to the CEO and undermined his position.

The tribunal ruled in late August that the board meeting where this framework was adopted was conducted unlawfully, invalidating its decisions. The current board's resolution calls for an urgent special Zoom meeting of all association members to discuss and vote on Har-Zahav's removal, requiring a 60% majority. If approved, a digital vote on the actual dismissal will follow. In the interim, to ensure the organization's continued proper management during this sensitive period, communication between the chairman and CEO will be limited to a small forum.

Har-Zahav stated he did not attend the meeting and plans to request general elections for all organizational institutions, including the board, when the general assembly convenes.