Israeli Nurses Union Declares Labor Dispute Over Staff Shortages

The Israeli Nurses Union declared a comprehensive labor dispute on July 9, 2026, citing critical staff shortages, extreme workloads, and professional burnout. The move allows approximately 60,000 nurses across hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and public health services—including Clalit and Meuhedet Health Insurance—to legally strike in about two weeks if negotiations with the government fail.

Union leadership claims the Ministry of Health (Israel) and Ministry of Finance (Israel) have ignored warnings for over a year regarding a lack of resources following the COVID-19 pandemic and three years of war. Key grievances include low nurse-to-patient ratios, deteriorating infrastructure, and recruitment restrictions. The union specifically highlighted safety risks at Sheba Medical Center, where technical staff have reportedly been used in operating rooms to replace professional nurses.

Additionally, the union is demanding that the Ministry of Health (Israel) maintain state responsibility for the healthcare of school-aged children and cease plans for privatization. Union Chairman Shaul Skeef stated that the healthcare system faces an unprecedented challenge in treating and rehabilitating war casualties while staff shoulder unbearable burdens without adequate state or employer support.