Israel Continues Twice-Yearly Time Change Amid Debate

By רותם אלון גלעדי

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

CenterNeutral tone

Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Israel will revert to standard time this weekend, continuing its practice of twice-yearly clock changes despite ongoing debate. The decision involves religious, political, and health considerations, with proponents of permanent daylight saving time citing lifestyle and economic benefits, while religious groups raise concerns about prayer times. Health experts, however, warn that permanent daylight saving time could negatively impact sleep and health, advocating for standard time year-round.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Israel will revert to standard time this weekend, continuing its twice-yearly clock changes.
Religious concerns over morning prayer times are a key factor in the debate.
Health experts warn permanent daylight saving time could negatively impact sleep and health.
Proponents cite benefits for families, outdoor activities, and the economy.
A bill to permanently cancel winter time was rejected in the Knesset in October 2025.

Israel Continues Twice-Yearly Time Change Amid Debate — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel will once again turn back its clocks by one hour on the night between Saturday and Sunday, reverting to standard time. This annual transition reignites the long-standing debate in Israel over whether to abolish the twice-yearly time change and adopt permanent daylight saving time.

The discussion, spanning decades, involves religious, political, health, and economic considerations. Proponents of permanent daylight saving time argue for extended evening daylight hours, which could benefit families, encourage outdoor activities, improve road safety, and boost the leisure and tourism industries. The Manufacturers Association of Israel has also supported extending daylight saving time, citing potential increases in work productivity and reduced electricity consumption.

However, religious arguments have historically played a significant role. The timing of the morning prayer, Shacharit, is traditionally linked to sunrise. Permanent daylight saving time would push sunrise later according to the clock, creating practical difficulties for observant Jews who wish to pray at the earliest preferred time and then commute to work.

From a health perspective, biological clock researchers warn that permanent daylight saving time could be detrimental. Professor Eran Tauber, head of the biological clock research lab at the University of Haifa, explains that the standard time (winter time) better synchronizes the body's internal clock with the natural cycle of light and darkness. He notes a broad consensus among sleep and biological clock researchers that permanent daylight saving time may negatively impact sleep quality and overall health, potentially leading to chronic sleep deprivation.

Despite a significant legal change in 2013 that extended daylight saving time until the end of October, and subsequent attempts to abolish winter time, Israel continues to switch its clocks twice a year. A bill to permanently cancel winter time was rejected in the Knesset in October 2025. Globally, there is no consensus; the European Union's plan to abolish seasonal changes has stalled, while Mexico abolished daylight saving time in most of the country in 2022. Hawaii and most of Arizona in the U.S. do not observe daylight saving time.