Protesters block the road leading into Jerusalem during a demonstration against Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to oust the head of Shin Bet [Getty]
Israel’s major labour unions and top business leaders have threatened to launch a general strike that could cripple the country’s economy if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government refuses to comply with a Supreme Court ruling to freeze the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
The Histadrut labour federation, alongside prominent business leaders, warned that ignoring the court’s decision would severely damage Israel’s “democratic image”.
The threat comes amid growing concerns that Netanyahu’s government may proceed with Bar’s dismissal and the potential firing of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, raising fears of an unprecedented constitutional crisis.
The Israeli cabinet formally approved the early dismissal of Bar on Thursday, over the failure to anticipate the 7 October 2023 attack, led by Hamas.
On Friday, the Supreme Court froze the dismissal until a hearing could be heard on the matter no later than 8 April, according to documents cited in Israeli media.
Labour leaders said that a nationwide strike would be declared immediately if the government officially announces its refusal to abide by the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Netanyahu, while maintaining his stance that Bar’s dismissal is within his government’s authority, has not yet formally stated whether the firing would proceed.
In recent days, demonstrations have intensified in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with protesters voicing outrage over the government’s attempt to remove Bar.
The Histadrut and major economic bodies, including Israel’s high-tech sector, have vowed to take “serious steps” to pressure the government, including an indefinite economic shutdown – a move far stronger than previous one-day strikes.
Economic analysts estimate that a full-scale strike could cost Israel’s economy approximately 5.8 billion shekels ($1.6 billion) per day. A partial strike, similar to past protests, would still result in daily losses of 2.8-3.2 billion shekels ($756mn to $864mn).
Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David called on the government to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“Israel is a country governed by law, and the government is not above it,” he said, warning that the country was “on the brink of chaos” and adding, “We will not stand idly by while Israel is neglected.”
A coalition of over 200 Israeli business leaders announced that if Netanyahu’s government ignores the court’s ruling, they will also join the strike.
In a rare move, the business group urged Israelis to resist government directives if a constitutional crisis unfolds.
“If there’s no law for the government, there’s no law for anyone,” the coalition said.
Israel’s high-tech sector, a vital part of the country’s economy, also warned that non-compliance with the court ruling would cross a “red line”. The sector threatened to halt operations and join the wider protest movement.
It remains unclear whether the strike would extend to major economic sectors such as ports, airports, and government services, or whether shopping centres and commercial hubs would participate.
Economic leaders have expressed fears that if the government continues to defy the Supreme Court, Israel’s credit rating could be downgraded further.
This follows previous cuts by global credit rating agencies, including S&P and Moody’s, which cited instability and poor economic outlook as risks to Israel’s financial standing.
