Israeli Education Minister Alleges Teachers' Union Fraudulently Received Millions for Non-Members

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch has accused the Teachers' Union of submitting false reports to receive millions of shekels in public funds for teachers who are not actually union members. In a letter sent to union members on July 28, 2026, Kisch revealed that the Ministry of Education is investigating suspicions that the union received payments based on inaccurate membership data. He instructed the ministry to prepare for changes in the funding transfer mechanism to ensure future payments are made transparently through individual teachers' pay slips.

The ministry suspects that thousands of teachers listed as union members actually belong to the Teachers' Federation, resulting in the union receiving millions of shekels improperly. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance are currently considering necessary actions in response to these findings. Kisch emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that if proven true, public funds were misused and that he is committed to ensuring all public money is lawfully allocated.

The letter was sent following a message from the union chairman, Ran Erez, who accused Kisch of making false claims and personal attacks. Kisch responded by condemning the union's campaigns against him, which he claims were funded by millions from the union's budget, but stressed his duty to protect public funds regardless of political pressure.

The Teachers' Union strongly denied the allegations, accusing Kisch of using his authority to intimidate the union and its members amid ongoing disputes. The union claimed no official inquiry was made to them and accused the minister of avoiding accountability by addressing the media instead. They also stated that the union operates legally under strict supervision by the Education and Finance Ministries and accused Kisch of violating the law and threatening legal action against him.

This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Education Ministry and the Teachers' Union over financial transparency and union membership reporting, with potential reforms to the funding system under consideration.