Without a valid contract: A strategy firm worked to promote a Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Education

Evidence reaching the "Hayom" editorial desk indicates that a strategy and marketing consulting firm has recently been working to promote media appearances for Inna Zaltsman, a senior Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Education who heads the Pedagogical Administration.

This is irregular, as senior Ministry of Education officials are required to coordinate all media activities with the Minister’s office, the Ministry’s Director General, and the official spokesperson’s department. A check by "Hayom" revealed that this firm currently has no active contract or agreement with the Ministry of Education.

"Hayom" has learned that the firm previously provided services to the Pedagogical Administration for 49,324 shekels, but that engagement ended several months ago. Despite this, the firm continued to "market" interviews and op-eds by the official on various topics, such as banning mobile phones in middle schools, "open letters" to teachers, and preparations for the school year.

The Ministry of Education expressed surprise at the inquiry. The original contract was titled: "Consulting on building an ecosystem and partnership spaces using innovative tools for transferring information and professional content developed by the Pedagogical Administration to the professional field." It remains unclear how this relates to publishing personal op-eds by Inna Zaltsman.

Inna Zaltsman declined to comment. Various sources within the ministry expressed astonishment that a private company was promoting the work of a senior civil servant who has access to an established public relations system.

The Pedagogical Administration oversees all school processes, including psychological services and special education. This is one of the five most senior positions in the ministry and could serve as a "springboard" for the Director General position following the upcoming Knesset elections.

This case occurs against the backdrop of the October Knesset elections, when a new Minister of Education is expected to take office. The current Director General, Meir Shimoni, an appointee of Minister Yoav Kisch, is expected to finish his term, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering for the next appointment is already underway.

The Ministry of Education stated: "A check shows that this was a professional engagement intended to accompany pedagogical projects, carried out in accordance with proper administration rules, which ended several months ago. If it turns out that activity was carried out on its behalf after the end of the engagement, the matter will be handled accordingly."

The firm confirmed that their strategic work ended months ago, noting that they approached media outlets without the Ministry of Education's knowledge.