The annual threat of a school strike has returned to Israel as local authorities weigh whether to prevent the opening of schools September 1 because of cuts in education outlays in the proposed 2009 budget. The Cabinet is to vote on the planned budget at Sunday's Cabinet meeting.

"We won't send guards or school buses, secretaries or janitors. If the government wants to open the school year on its own, please, go try it," warned Union of Local Authorities chairman and Carmiel Mayor Adi Eldar.