Work Rights - Operation "Sha’agat HaAri"

With the guidelines now updated, let’s have another look at some important points:

Protection Against Dismissal

Just as in Operation “Rising Lion” (Am KeLavi): it is forbidden to dismiss an employee who is absent due to Home Front Command instructions or due to the closure of educational institutions for children up to age 14 (or 21 for children with disabilities). The prohibition also applies to spouses of reserve soldiers and security forces personnel.

Working From Home:

In general, the current guidelines allow a return to workplaces which have a protected space. If your child is under the age of 14 (or up to age 21, with a disability) and their school is closed, these difficulties will be taken into account, with the condition that the other parent/spouse is at work and cannot care for the child.

Salary, Unpaid Leave & Unemployment Benefits

In the coming days, guidelines and an organized framework are expected to be published regarding sick leave and unemployment benefits. We therefore recommend waiting for the official publication and the detailed conditions that will be set.
In the meantime, if you are unable to come to work because you need to stay home with your children, notify your employer in writing and try to reach a temporary agreement with them, noting that such agreements are subject to change or cancellation in accordance with the guidelines that will be established.

Essential Workers

An employee at an essential operation who has received a call-up order is required to report to work. The employer may approve remote work. The obligation to report does not apply to: a police officer / soldier – including a reservist, a pregnant woman or a woman within one year of giving birth, or someone who has reached retirement age. If a child under age 14 (or a child with a disability up to age 21) is involved, such circumstances will be taken into account.

Essential Sector

Important update: businesses in the fields of food, health, transportation, and more can continue operating without needing to apply for official approval as an essential business. Unlike an approved essential business, an employer in an essential sector cannot require you to come in if the Home Front Command prohibits work in the geographical area.

Note: your employer may send you on forced leave using your accumulated vacation days, but if it is for 7 days or more, they must give you two weeks’ notice.

Practical Guidelines:

1. Check: Whether your workplace is protected according to Home Front Command instructions in your geographical area.
2. Update: If you cannot work remotely due to childcare, notify your employer as soon as possible.
3. Unpaid leave: If you are placed on unpaid leave, register immediately on the Employment Service website to preserve your rights.

Please note: this information is general and may change. Always consult official sources for updates.

For more information