Global Port Workers to Strike October 30 Against Israel

A significant escalation in the boycott against Israel is anticipated on Friday, October 30, 2026, with a "Global Day of Action" planned by port workers in approximately 100 ports across 17 countries. The protest, operating under the slogan "Port Workers Don't Work for War," is organized by the Ports in Action coalition and supported by the No Harbour For Genocide campaign. This second wave of action represents a five-fold increase in organizational scope compared to the first round in February 2026.

The primary concern for Israel's logistics and economy lies in potential disruptions to direct cargo and container shipments through international transshipment points. Major strikes are planned in Italy, including a 24-hour national strike expected to halt key ports like Genoa and Livorno, and in Greece, with a 24-hour strike at the critical Piraeus port, alongside protests at other Greek ports. French ports such as Marseille-Fos and Le Havre are also seeing calls for strikes and work stoppages.

While protests in countries like the US, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Morocco, India, Sweden, Denmark, and Ireland are expected to be largely symbolic, the organizers aim to block weapons, ammunition, and military equipment from reaching Israel, and to halt trade related to the war effort. The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism warns that this shift from online campaigns to direct physical disruption of critical infrastructure requires proactive measures to ensure economic continuity.

Avi Cohen Scali, Director General of the Ministry, stated that the ministry "will continue to locate and pursue antisemitic entities everywhere and in every region that seek to harm the State of Israel." The ministry's report focuses on economic and logistical threats from labor unions and is not a travel advisory from the National Security Council. While direct consumer shortages are not expected, disruptions at key transshipment hubs like Piraeus and Italian ports could cause delays of days to weeks for commercial cargo, industrial components, and packages.

Despite organizers' attempts to target Israeli ships and military shipments, regular civilian goods will also be affected by the port shutdowns. There are no current instructions for personal security measures, as the main friction is expected in port and industrial areas, away from tourist centers. However, demonstrations by pro-Palestinian organizations may occur in port cities, and travelers are advised to exercise normal precautions abroad, avoid protest areas, and stay informed of official advisories.