Israel on Strike, Protesting Netanyahu to Demand Gaza Exchange Deal

A one-day labor strike has commenced in “Israel”, following the main labor union’s declaration Sunday in response to the failure of the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the release of captives held in the Gaza Strip through a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal.

The strike was called for by the Histadrut labor union to pressure the Israeli government into finalizing a prisoner exchange agreement with the Hamas movement in Gaza after the Israeli military announced the discovery of the bodies of six captives in a tunnel in the city of Rafah, in southern Gaza Strip.

The strike, which affects schools, universities, Ben Gurion Airport, public transportation, and a wide range of economic sectors, follows massive demonstrations staged by Israeli settlers demanding the retrieval of the captives.

Among the facilities participating in the strike are municipalities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, government ministries that impact a range of public services, including parts of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Interior Ministry, and others, and “Israel’s” biggest universities, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University, according to Histadrut.

While the Israeli teachers’ union said it would not join the strike, the school support staff would, which may impact educational institutions.

Ben Gurion in lockdown

According to the Israeli Channel 13, Ben Gurion Airport is closed to departing flights, with operations expected to resume after several hours, and flights are expected to be dramatically affected in the coming days.

The airport was supposed to be closed for two hours starting at 8:00 am, however, it may be extended past 10 am despite intense pressure from the government to resume operations, unnamed airport officials tell Channel 12 news.

Currently, flights are not departing the airport, and checked baggage is not being put on planes.

Banks disrupted

Bloomberg reported that several major banks in “Israel” were anticipated to close, though the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange is expected to remain open. Government ministries, local municipalities, postal services, and universities are also slated to shut down.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General of “Israel” petitioned the Labor Court to rule against the strike declared by Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David, Israeli media reported.

The petition requests the court decide that the strike is not one “for a collective labor dispute, and is, therefore, a political strike.”

However, Israeli media cited a source within the Histadrut as saying that the union is considering extending the strike into Tuesday as well.

Roads blocked

The Times of Israel said that dozens of protesters are blocking Ibn Gvirol Street in Tel Aviv, while others are blocking a road in the northern city of Rosh Pina. In addition, protesters are also gathering at Shilat Junction near Modi’in.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid had called on labor unions, employers, and local authorities within the Israeli occupation to disrupt the economy. He also petitioned the Knesset Speaker to hold an emergency general meeting to discuss reaching an agreement regarding Gaza.

Smotrich resorts to intimidation

In an attempt to discourage settlers from participating in the strike, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened civil servants that they would not be compensated for any time off taken to participate in the strike, deeming the strike “illegal”.

Smotrich called on workers to ignore the Histadrut’s call, accusing the labor union of “fulfilling the dream of [Hamas Political Bureau Chief Yahya] Sinwar” and representing the “interests of Hamas.”

On Sunday, protests erupted in the streets of Tel Aviv and occupied al-Quds, with observers estimating that approximately 280,000 people demonstrated in Tel Aviv alone, despite repeated attempts by Israeli police to disperse the crowds, which only grew larger as they reassembled.

The protesters are demanding that the Israeli government abandon its position on maintaining military control over the Philadelphi and Nitzarim corridors and return to negotiations that might secure the return of the captives alive from Gaza. They argue that the ongoing war has resulted in the deaths of many of the captives.

The Israeli Channel 12 said that 15 protesters were arrested.

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden expressed optimism, stating that he believed, “we’re on the verge of having an agreement.” However, the most recent talks, held in Cairo last weekend, ended without a conclusive outcome.

According to The Washington Post, the US has been in discussions with Egypt and Qatar regarding the framework of a final “take it or leave it” proposal to be presented to “Israel” and Hamas, citing a senior administration official who requested anonymity.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to meet on Monday morning with the US team working to mediate a hostage deal, as confirmed by the White House.