Israel averts high school strikes in 'phenomenal' deal with teachers

The agreements, which the Secondary School Teachers' Association described as a "phenomenal achievement," will be detailed in due course, it said.

Israeli students arrive to school, at a high school in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, November 29, 2020 (photo credit: FLASH90)
Israeli students arrive to school, at a high school in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, November 29, 2020
(photo credit: FLASH90)

A planned strike in Israel's high schools was averted on Thursday evening following successful negotiations between the Secondary School Teachers' Association and the Finance Ministry, the association announced.

The agreements, which the association described as a "phenomenal achievement," will be detailed in due course, it said.

The Prime Minister's Office released a video of a phone conversation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the association's director-general, Ran Erez, following the conclusion of negotiations.

Netanyahu to teachers' rep: I'm happy that you're happy

"I am very happy that you are very happy," Netanyahu told Erez. "I am also happy to hear that this strike has been avoided and that we are solving it and starting the school year with everyone present.

"This is a very important thing and I welcome our cooperation," the prime minister said.

 Teachers' Association chief Ran Erez speaks during a State Control Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on August 15, 2023 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Teachers' Association chief Ran Erez speaks during a State Control Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem, on August 15, 2023 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Earlier on Thursday, one of the main points of contention was agreed on – a raise of NIS 2,000 per teacher.

This is a developing story.