Histadrut strike halts Israeli economy, closes Ben Gurion Airport over hostage deal

In a significant move, the Histadrut, Israel’s largest and most influential labor union, has announced a nationwide strike starting at 6:00 a.m. on Sept. 1, effectively shutting down the entire Israeli economy.

The announcement, made Sunday evening by Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David, comes as pressure mounts on the government to take immediate action following the deaths of six hostages whose bodies were recently recovered from a tunnel near Rafah.

Histadrut Union announces full strike across Israel

Besides the nationwide strike, Bar-David announced that Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway, will cease all operations, including departures and arrivals, starting at 8:00 a.m.

This move follows an earlier meeting between Bar-David and representatives of the Israeli hostage families, who have been intensifying their protests, demanding swift government intervention.

Addressing the media, Bar-David expressed the urgency of the situation: “We can no longer stand by.

The fact that Jews are being murdered in tunnels in Gaza is unacceptable, and this must stop. We need to reach a deal, and it is more important than anything else.”

He also criticized the government’s handling of the crisis, stating, “The deal is not progressing because of political considerations; this is impossible.”

Histadrut Chairman demands immediate government action

Bar-David’s speech also touched on the broader implications for Israel, stating: “I have decided that we must stop the abandonment of the hostages, the displaced, the collapsing economy, and the incitement. We are no longer one people; this must end. We must return the State of Israel to normalcy – we are receiving sacks of bodies instead of a deal.”

I have decided that starting tomorrow at six in the morning the entire Israeli economy will go on a complete strike.

Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David

He concluded by calling on the public to join the protests and urged all economic organizations to support the strike. “We must cry out for our beloved country, for the hostages, and for those who have been killed,” Bar-David added.

He is expected to speak later this evening at the hostage families’ protest at the Begin Gate in Tel Aviv.