State Comptroller and Ombudsman Matanyahu Engelman disclosed at the Eilat Journalists Conference that the audit recently initiated at the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor) focuses on aspects of management and oversight. “Every public body is obligated to fully cooperate with the State Comptroller’s audit,” he emphasized
On November 3, 2025, the State Comptroller and Ombudsman attended the 17th Eilat Journalists Conference of the Tel Aviv Journalists Association. In a special interview with Dani Kushmaro, the Comptroller revealed that, following persistent opposition from the Histadrut, his office has recently begun conducting an audit of the organization’s management and supervisory aspects.
According to Engelman: “The last State Comptroller’s report on a national labor organization — published in 2012 — concerned the National Labor Federation and revealed serious findings that even led to a police investigation.
Some time ago, I decided to conduct an audit at the General Histadrut, despite opposition from its representatives. The law stipulates that the Histadrut is subject to the State Comptroller’s audit, except in matters relating to the protection of workers’ rights. Indeed, my office is not examining such issues.”
State Comptroller Engelman at the Eilat Journalists Conference. Photo: Udi Portal, Tel Aviv Journalists Association
“Several years ago, I met with the Chair of the Histadrut regarding the initiation of an audit,” said State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman. “However, with the outbreak of the war, we devoted most of our resources to audits related to the war. This past July, we returned to the Histadrut and announced the launch of an audit on various issues. Once again, we encountered opposition from legal advisors.
It should be noted that the State Comptroller's authority derives from a Basic Law, and its independence to examine any issue is an integral part of the democratic fabric of the State.
We are currently in the process of collecting material. Naturally, when an audited body is under a police investigation, the audit is conducted in full coordination with law enforcement authorities, so as not to interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Every public body is obligated to fully cooperate with the State Comptroller’s audit. We are determined to fulfill our duties as prescribed by the Basic Law.”
