Israeli Education Minister Accuses Teachers' Union of Fraudulent Funding Claims

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kish has accused the Teachers' Union of submitting false reports to receive millions of shekels for teachers who are not union members. Kish revealed the suspicions in a letter sent to union members on July 28, 2026, stating that the Ministry of Education is investigating the matter and has begun preparations to change the funding transfer mechanism to a more transparent system based on individual teachers' pay slips. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance are considering necessary steps following findings that thousands of teachers listed as union members actually belong to the Teachers' Federation, resulting in the union receiving substantial funds improperly.

Kish described the allegations as serious and requiring thorough investigation, emphasizing his responsibility to ensure public funds are lawfully distributed only to eligible recipients. The accusations emerged amid tensions between Kish and the union chairman, Ran Erez, who had sent a letter containing personal accusations against the minister. Kish also criticized Erez for allegedly funding personal campaigns against him with union money.

The Teachers' Union denied the allegations, accusing Kish of seeking revenge rather than managing the education system and misusing his authority to intimidate the union and its members. The union claimed no official inquiry had been made and accused the ministry of breaching agreements and attempting to suppress criticism through false claims. The union warned that Kish's actions strengthen their unity and vowed to pursue legal action against him if necessary.