Israeli Teachers Agree to Restore School Hours Following Iran Conflict

The High School Teachers Organization in Israel has reached an agreement with the Finance Ministry to restore school hours lost due to canceled classes during the recent conflict with Iran. According to the deal, four hours equivalent to one full school day will be added back in the next academic year. In exchange, the planned salary cuts for teachers, which were proposed following the 17-hour military round against Iran, will be canceled.

Additionally, Yaffa Ben David, the Secretary General of the Teachers' Union responsible for kindergartens, elementary, and middle schools, is in advanced negotiations for a similar arrangement. Earlier on Wednesday, Ran Erez, chairman of the High School Teachers Organization, announced the cancellation of the salary cuts but did not mention the restoration of school hours. He also highlighted another achievement in talks with the Finance Ministry: transitioning the education system to a five-day workweek with five hours of home study. Erez clarified that these changes are valid only until the current agreement between the state and the teachers' union expires, expected in September 2028.