Israeli Factories Halt Production Due to Foreign Technician Shortages Amid Security Concerns
A recent shortage of Tnuva cottage cheese, caused by a malfunction in a sophisticated foreign-made system, has highlighted a widespread issue affecting many Israeli manufacturers. These companies rely heavily on foreign technicians for assembly, maintenance, and repairs of industrial equipment, but many technicians refuse to travel to Israel, citing security risks and insurance refusals due to Israel's classification as a war zone.
This problem spans various industries including steel, plastics, and food production, many of which export their products. In Italy, professional unions even prohibit their members from traveling to Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Economy stated that the classification of Israel as a war zone is a diplomatic matter beyond its authority.
Former Manufacturers Association president Dr. Ron Tomer described how his pharmaceutical company had to install a new 20 million shekel machine remotely via Zoom, using extensive camera setups to guide their engineering team. He emphasized the critical need for strong in-house engineering departments and recounted how they arranged for a technician married to an Israeli to work locally for two months at their expense. Tomer warned that Israel’s lack of domestic industrial machinery production exacerbates the problem.
Shmuel Donenstein, owner of Rav-Bariach, called the situation catastrophic, noting delays in launching a new glass processing plant due to the absence of dozens of Italian technicians. Attempts to bring technicians from Colombia failed due to immigration restrictions. He also reported stalled production lines caused by Italian unions blocking technician deployments.
Tzuri Dabush, owner of Klil aluminum systems, shared that a newly purchased packaging line remains unused because foreign technicians fear traveling to Israel. He warned that the industrial sector is severely impacted, with some companies considering relocating production abroad. Dabush criticized insufficient state investment in industry and alleged deliberate supply disruptions harming Israeli exports.
Abraham (Novo) Novogrutsky, current president of the Manufacturers Association, confirmed seeing idle machines during factory visits and stressed the urgent need to train Israeli technical teams, as no immediate solution exists. Without foreign technicians, many production lines remain shut down, threatening the continuity of Israeli manufacturing.
Summary: Israeli factories face significant production halts due to foreign technicians refusing to enter Israel over security and insurance concerns, impacting various industries and prompting calls for stronger domestic technical capabilities and government intervention.
