Histadrut Blocks Government Offices in Jerusalem, Thousands of Workers Locked Out

On Tuesday, the Histadrut union blocked entrances to key government offices in Jerusalem, including the Ministry of Health headquarters, the Ministry of Welfare, and the National Insurance Institute. The action was led by Daniel Bonfil, chairman of the Jerusalem branch of the Histadrut. The blockade involved parking locked vehicles at parking lot entrances and main roads leading to the offices, disrupting traffic and preventing thousands of employees from reaching their workplaces.

This move effectively restricted the freedom of movement for hundreds of workers and interfered with their right to work and receive wages. The Finance Ministry sharply criticized the union's conduct, stating that such behavior is unacceptable in labor relations and called for an investigation into whether the action might be criminal. Police forces were dispatched to the scene to restore order.

The Finance Ministry emphasized the severity of the disruption and the potential legal implications, while the Histadrut's Jerusalem branch maintained control over access, with Bonfil reportedly stating that no employee would be allowed entry without his approval. The incident highlights escalating tensions between the union and government authorities over labor disputes in Israel.