The Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, welcomed the Labor Court’s decision to end the strike, stating on social media that the court agreed with him that the strike was “political and illegal.” According to Israeli media, Smotrich was responsible for filing an injunction against the strike in court.
Despite the ruling, protesters remain in the streets. Smotrich added that many workers still reported to work “in large numbers” today, while those who participated in the strike were attempting to “harm” the Israeli economy.
Municipal services in many Israeli areas were operating at reduced capacity today following the largest labor strike in the country, organized by unions to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into reaching an agreement that would ensure the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza.
The head of Israel’s largest union, Histadrut, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers across the country, called for the strike on Sunday after the bodies of six Israeli hostages were found in a tunnel in southern Gaza.
⚡️#BREAKING
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Settlers protest and block streets in Tel Aviv amid general strike to pressure Netanyahu to a ceasefire deal.#Iran #Israel #Hezbollah #Lebanon #Gaza #Palestine #WestBank#TelAviv pic.twitter.com/xIz0lscWyG
The hostages were reportedly shot dead 48 to 72 hours before their bodies were discovered by Israeli forces, according to the Ministry of Health. This news sent shockwaves through Israeli society, prompting at least half a million people to take to the streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in protest.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich filed a petition with the country’s Labor Court in an attempt to block the strike. However, many sectors participated in the strike, which was supported by various employers’ organizations, including those in the construction and high-tech industries.
At Israel’s largest and busiest international airport, Ben Gurion, some services were suspended, though incoming flights continued to land. Bus and train services in many areas were either canceled or partially operational.
Workers at the main commercial port in Haifa also went on strike. Hospitals operated partially, while banks were on strike, though many private businesses remained open.
Despite the court order, many employers allowed their staff to participate in the strike, which led to significant disruptions in services.
