A nationwide strike is currently underway in Israel, with the aim of pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal for the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The strike, organized by Histadrut, the country's largest labor union, was prompted by public outrage over the killing of six captives in Hamas tunnels under Gaza.
Protests are taking place as part of the strike, with demonstrators blocking a main avenue in central Tel Aviv. Various entities are participating in the strike:
- Municipalities such as Tel-Aviv and Haifa have announced their participation, along with several government ministries affecting public services.
- Flight operations at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport will be suspended for two hours from 8 a.m.
- Hospitals and healthcare centers will operate on a weekend schedule for emergencies.
- Israel's teachers' union will not participate, but school support staff will, potentially impacting educational institutions.
- Major universities like the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University will also join the strike.
- Fire and rescue services, as well as special education programs, will continue as usual.
Employees joining the strike risk not being paid, as per the Ministry of Finance. According to labor regulations, absent workers participating in the strike will not receive wages.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has requested the attorney general to seek urgent injunctions to halt the strike, with a hearing scheduled for this morning.
