Israeli 'historic' general strike includes private, public sectors

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
27 Mar 2023 15:13
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Israeli head of the Histadrut labor federation, Arnon Bar-David, announces a "historic" general strike and brings function in the Israeli public and private sectors to a halt.

Israelis scuffle with police during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan outside the parliament in Jerusalem, Monday, March 27, 2023 (AP).

A "historic" general strike was announced by the head of the Histadrut labor federation, Arnon Bar-David, on Monday, who was allegedly “astonished” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire the Security Minister Yoav Gallant urged the government to “stop the madness”.

Amid violent and widespread chaos workers at Ben Gurion Airport announced they would commit to the general strike guidelines and would prevent flight departures from the airport. “We are all worried about Israel’s fate,” Bar-David in an address in front of the press and added, “Together we say, enough!”

Bar-David acknowledged that "Israel's" divide has deepened and claimed that "we can no longer polarize the nation.”

It is worth noting, Israeli media reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will freeze the legislation after having postponed his speech for some time.

Bar-David, during his address, proclaimed “We are all joining hands to shut down the State of Israel,” adding “The malls and the factories will close.”

The Federation of Local Authorities in "Israel" also joined the strike declared by Histadrut.

The head of the federation, Modiin Mayor Haim Bibas, who is also a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, said “The rift in the nation and the tremendous chaos Israel is in have almost reached the point of no return.”

Israeli embassies worldwide were instructed, according to Reuters, by the Foreign Ministry union, which is part of the labor federation, to halt Foreign Ministry activities, both in the country and abroad, and limit all functions to emergency services.

It is also worth noting that stores, banks, companies, schools, and universities have also declared they will be joining the general strike.

Netanyahu delays announcement of latest stance on judicial reform

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could announce on Monday the suspension of judicial reforms after widespread violent protests.

Israeli media cited a source in Netanyahu's office stating that "the prime minister intends to announce the suspension of judicial reforms."

To this time, no statement was issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. However, Netanyahu postponed his previously scheduled press conference, while Israeli media confirmed that the postponement of the conference was due to "disputes within the ruling coalition."

Israeli 'Channel 12' noted that the disputes during the ruling coalition heads' meeting were full of "drama", adding that "National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned of the collapse of the government."

In turn, Israeli channel 'Kan TV' reported from a source in Netanyahu's office that Justice Minister Yarev Levin "will not remain in the Ministry of Justice."

Moreover, Israeli media pointed out that if the Minister of Justice resigns, the situation will escalate prompting further violence among settlers which will lead to the weakening and potential collapse of the government.

Ben-Gvir claimed, "Something happened today in 'Israel', the votes of fighter pilots are worth more than those of Golani and the Border Guards", further saying, "the votes of Tzahala are worth more than those of Dimona and Beersheba, and the votes of high-tech workers are worth more than manual workers."

Ben-Gvir concluded, "it is forbidden to halt the reform of the judiciary and to be subjected to chaos."

The Religious Zionism Party considered that "halting the legislation will mean giving in to violence, chaos, evasion of military service, and the tyranny of the minority."