The chairman of Israel’s General Federation of Labor (Histadrut), Arnon Bar-David, has announced a nationwide general strike set to begin Monday morning. This decision comes after a meeting with representatives of hostage families in Tel Aviv, which he described as “charged and difficult.”
The strike is scheduled to commence at 6 a.m. local time and will involve the shutdown of Israel’s main international airport. Despite this, Ben-Gurion Airport has stated that it will remain operational for flights and landings on Monday, September 2.
Bar-David emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “We are in a downward spiral, and we don’t stop receiving body bags.” He believes that only a strike can bring about the necessary shock to prompt progress, leading to his decision to halt the entire Israeli economy starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow.
Calling for solidarity, Bar-David urged other organizations to join the strike and amplify the voices of the hostages. He criticized the current political landscape for hindering efforts to secure a hostage deal, emphasizing the importance of swift action.
Furthermore, Bar-David highlighted the need to bridge societal divides and restore unity within Israel. He warned that the country must return to a “sensible routine” to address the current challenges effectively.
Recent developments have fueled public outrage towards Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, following the recovery of six hostages’ bodies in the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces located and repatriated the victims, leading to increased pressure on the government to secure the release of remaining hostages.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing families affected by Hamas, has blamed the government’s delay in reaching a deal for the tragic deaths. They assert that the prolonged negotiations have resulted in unnecessary loss of life.
