Operation Roaring Lion – Hostilities and the Workplace – Update

Following the military confrontation with Iran, and the declaration of a special state of emergency throughout the country, as of Saturday, 28 February 2026 (at this stage until March 12), workplace activity is prohibited, except in workplaces classified as essential services.

An essential service is defined as an essential enterprise under the Emergency Labor Service Law, 1967, as well as workplaces belonging to sectors designated by the National Emergency Authority as “essential services.” A detailed list of qualifying sectors can be found here (in Hebrew). For this purpose, a sector also includes its supply chain — i.e., all factors supporting that sector.

In accordance with the Home Front Command Defense Policy (found here (in Hebrew)), workplaces that constitute essential services may operate subject to the following conditions: (a) the existence of alert systems; (b) the availability of proper protective spaces allowing employees to enter a compliant protected area within the required timeframe; (c) provision of information regarding emergency conduct; (d) reduction of the physical presence of personnel to the minimum necessary for essential activity only.

In all other workplaces, work may be carried out remotely, where the nature of the activity so permits.

Employers seeking information and guidance regarding the possibility of continuing operations, payment of employee wages, possibility of use of vacation days, and additional issues — including those arising from the closure of educational institutions — are invited to contact us for tailored advice.

Please stay safe. We hope for calmer days ahead.

Sincerely,

Employment Law Department and Commercial Department
Herzog Fox & Neeman