According to reports from “Times of Israel” and “Yedioth Ahronoth,” the decision was made as part of a plea deal signed by the former consular and administrative affairs official, Michal Kirin David (40 years old).
What did the harasser say about her scandal?
Michal Kirin David, born in 1984, served as a consul in Chicago and was suspended from work since April 2022.
The accused employee during the hearing sessions stated, “I worked for Israel for 16 years and feel disappointed by this behavior.” She continued, “No official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to hear me. I agreed to the plea deal because I want to put the disciplinary measures behind me and start a new life.”
The deal involves the official admitting to “sexual harassment and engaging in inappropriate relationships with at least four young women who worked with her in the mission between October 2021 and April 2022.”
According to sources, Kirin David sexually harassed female employees and behaved inappropriately, acknowledging her violation of the rules of conduct for a government employee.
Dismissal and other sanctions
The Israeli Foreign Affairs Committee decided to permanently dismiss Kirin David from the ministry, deduct one month’s salary, and prohibit her from working in the government in any capacity for eight years.
Israeli media quoted Kirin David’s lawyer, Ayala Honeigman, as saying that it was difficult for Kirin to agree to the plea deal. Honeigman added that Kirin did it “to turn a new page in her life and is not interested in working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and civil service.”