Histadrut Threatens to Block Sale of Arkia Over Plans to Halt Sabbath Flights

The Histadrut labor federation has issued a stern warning against the proposed sale of Israeli airline Arkia to a Haredi investor who intends to cease operations on Sabbaths and Jewish holidays. Nir Eisenberg, Deputy Chairman of the Transport Workers Union within the Histadrut, sent a letter on Thursday to Arkia's controlling family, the Nakash family, expressing serious concerns about the potential deal. Eisenberg emphasized that the issue is not about religious beliefs but the direct business consequences of halting weekend and holiday flights. He warned that such a move could severely damage Arkia's business model, financial stability, competitiveness, revenues, and the job security of hundreds of employees.

Eisenberg stated, "Preventing Sabbath desecration is a legitimate worldview, but it is not a business strategy." He added that purchasing an airline with the intent to reduce its business operations weakens rather than invests in the company. He insisted that Arkia should not become an ideological experiment and that the future of its workforce must not be sacrificed for the owners' change in perspective.

The letter also reminded the Nakash family of their full responsibility for the company's future and its employees, beyond just the financial terms of the sale. Eisenberg concluded with a strong warning that the Histadrut will not stand idly by if the deal proceeds in a way that harms Arkia's business model. The labor federation pledged to use all legal, organizational, and public means to protect the company and its workers.