ISRAEL

Amid talks, Liberman asks for injunction forcing teachers back to work

Finance minister’s move proves he doesn’t want a deal, argues education minister; despite negotiations, teachers union is threatening to strike when school year begins on Thursday

Education minister says Liberman's injunction request 'proves' he doesn't want a deal

Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman speaks during a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, August 17, 2022. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Education minister says Liberman’s injunction request ‘proves’ he doesn’t want a deal

Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton speaks at a conference of the Federation of Local Authorities ahead of the opening of the school year in Ganei Tikva, August 18, 2022. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton scolds Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman, arguing that the latter’s request for an injunction forcing teachers back to work during ongoing negotiations signals he isn’t interested in reaching a compromise.

“Those who ask for an injunction, at a time when teams from all sides are convening for negotiations on agreements that will lead to the orderly opening of the school year, are proving that they aren’t interested in reaching a deal and aren’t invested in the future of the education system and the children’s future,” she says.

“This is a national crisis,” Shasha-Biton adds. “It’s time to convene the government to solve it.”