Gadera Council Member Dismissed After Missing Sexual Harassment Discussion

Sahar Pinto, the head of Gadera local council, informed council member Talia Lankri that her position was terminated due to her absence from three consecutive council meetings without justification. Lankri, affiliated with Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu party, missed key discussions concerning the potential dismissal or suspension of a senior council employee found guilty of sexual harassment by an independent external investigator. The investigator's report confirmed the validity of complaints from two female employees about verbal and written sexual harassment by the senior official, who has served since 2019.

The council requires a 75% majority (12 out of 15 members) to remove or suspend the employee, but Lankri's and other opposition members' absences prevented reaching this threshold, effectively blocking the decision. Pinto criticized Lankri's choice to be absent, stating it hindered the council from addressing serious sexual harassment findings. Although a disciplinary lawsuit and suspension request have been filed with the labor court, Pinto emphasized that this process is lengthy and does not replace the council's authority.

Lankri has 21 days to submit her reasons for absence. If no legal relief is granted, her council membership will end within 30 days of the notification. The Gadera council condemned harassment and reaffirmed its commitment to a safe and respectful work environment. The sexual harassment allegations surfaced about six months ago, triggering the external investigation and subsequent council actions.