Education Minister Launches Probe Into Teachers' Union Over Alleged Misuse of Funds

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch has initiated an investigation into the secondary school teachers' union amid suspicions of improper public fund transfers. In an unusual move, Kisch sent a letter to union members stating that the Ministry of Education is examining allegations that funds were transferred to the union for teachers falsely reported as members. This action follows accusations from the union chairman, Ran Erez, who claimed that ministry officials pressured middle school teachers to verify their union membership, describing it as intimidation.

Kisch accused Erez of making false claims and personal slanders against him, framing the dispute as part of ongoing personal attacks funded by millions of shekels from union resources. The minister also announced plans to reform the funding mechanism by linking payments directly to teachers' pay slips to ensure transparency and oversight, though it remains unclear if he has the authority to implement this change.

Erez responded by accusing Kisch of opposing organized labor and attempting to scapegoat the union for his own failures. He highlighted past conflicts, including Kisch's support for salary cuts during the war despite teachers continuing online work, which the union successfully opposed. The union further criticized Kisch for abusing his power to intimidate its members and warned that the minister could face legal action for overstepping his authority without parliamentary immunity.