The last-minute meeting that saved the academic year was called by Olmert and included the university presidents, Education Minister Yuli Tamir, and Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On. Olmert told those present that he had been reluctant to interfere in talks between universities and the government, but felt obliged to do so due to the risk of a strike. The academic year was disrupted by two major strikes in the past two years, and this year must begin on time, he said.
Several meetings between university officials and representatives from the Finance Ministry had ended in frustration in recent weeks. The Finance Ministry was willing to provide universities with approximately NIS 300 million, but insisted that the schools use the money according to recommendations set by the Shohat committee for reform in higher education. University presidents accused ministry officials of repeatedly changing their demands, while ministry officials said the presidents asked for too much money.
Most of the NIS 515 million promised by Olmert will be allocated by the Council of Higher Education. Fifty million will be spent on development.
When discussing the pledged budget increase, Olmert emphasized the importance of funding research and encouraging researchers and professors to stay in Israel. Many academics have warned that the phenomenon of “brain drain,” in which highly educated Israelis leave the country, is exacerbated by the government's failure to fund research projects and positions in Israeli universities. The government sees keeping researchers in Israel as a top priority, Olmert said.
The money pledged Thursday will also be used to cover budget gaps while keeping tuition at its current rate. Students went on strike for several weeks last year over a plan to increase the cost of tuition, and the Student Union had threatened to strike again if the tuition was raised.
Tamir expressed satisfaction with the agreement on Thursday evening, saying, “We've set goals that were not considered for years, such as developing infrastructure, increasing the number of students, and bringing back researchers and scientists.” University presidents and the Council for Higher Education expressed satisfaction as well, and thanked Olmert for stepping in. “Only the Prime Minister's intervention was able to bridge the gaps and guarantee the orderly beginning of the academic year,” the council said.
MK Michael Melchior (Labor) approved of the deal, but said more was necessary. The promised funding is “merely a temporary solution,” he said, and the system of higher education remains in peril. “Therefore, I believe we must immediately begin negotiations for a long-term agreement that will last for several years,” he said.