The Histadrut announced today (Monday) during a hearing at the Labor Court that the general strike across the economy will end today at 18:00. This decision marks a significant change from the original plan, which anticipated the continuation of the strike at least until tomorrow. However, the court ordered the strike to end by 14:30, determining that it was a political strike.
Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David stated: “We live in a country governed by law, and we respect the court’s decision. Therefore, I instruct everyone to return to work at 14:30. It is important to emphasize that the solidarity strike was an important move, and I stand behind it.”
Yesterday, Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David declared a full shutdown of the economy starting this morning. The announcement came amid growing public tension following the murder of six Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and demands for progress in negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages.
Earlier today, the State Attorney’s Office submitted an urgent request to the Labor Court to issue an injunction against the strike. The request argued that the strike is not for the purposes of a collective labor dispute and is, therefore, a political strike.
The strike impacted many sectors of the economy, including a partial closure of Ben Gurion Airport and the closure of shopping centers across the country.
The strike elicited mixed reactions from the Israeli public. Supporters claimed it was necessary to advance the negotiations for the release of the hostages, while opponents viewed it as an inappropriate political move.
With the end of the strike, the economy is expected to return to full activity. However, public tension and the ongoing debate surrounding the hostage situation and the continued fighting in Gaza are likely to persist.
MK Gideon Sa’ar wrote on his X account: “The Labor Court made the right decision.” Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David pledged that the Histadrut will continue its efforts to bring back the hostages: “I promise the families of the hostages that the Histadrut will continue to play a leading and central role in the efforts to bring our sons and daughters home.”
