Israel Journalists Union Moves to Oust Chairman Haim Har-Zahav Amid Crisis
The Union of Journalists in Israel initiated proceedings to remove chairman Haim Har-Zahav following severe governance disputes and a deep crisis of trust within the organization.
The executive committee of the Union of Journalists in Israel has initiated a formal process to remove chairman Haim Har-Zahav, citing severe breaches of conduct and a deep crisis of trust. The decision follows months of escalating tensions regarding management authority, including an attempt to unilaterally dismiss CEO Michal Gera-Margaliot and a legal threat sent by Har-Zahav against staff members who filed complaints.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Next Steps
According to the executive committee, the decision was adopted unanimously by members present after Har-Zahav chose not to attend or present his position. Since the union bylaws do not explicitly outline a chairman impeachment procedure, the committee consulted legal counsel Adv. Amir Besheh to establish a strict protocol. An extraordinary general meeting via Zoom will be convened to vote on the removal mechanism, requiring a 60 percent majority of participants to pass.
"This decision is made with utmost gravity following a series of problematic and severe moves by the chairman that endanger the integrity and proper functioning of the organization," the committee stated.
Response from the Chairman
Har-Zahav rejected the validity of the meeting, claiming it contradicts prior rulings by the union's labor court. In response to the proceedings, Har-Zahav is expected to call for general elections covering both the chairmanship and the entire executive committee, leveraging his substantial support base among members from Channel 13.
