War and the Workplace – Further Updates
18 June 2025
As part of our ongoing updates on the evolving security situation and its impact on workplaces, we would like to share several important developments.
These developments include recent regulatory and operational changes affecting workplace activity, employee rights, and visa statuses. Specifically, we cover a new general permit for overtime work, updated Home Front Command defense guidelines influencing workplace operations and gatherings, and a temporary extension of certain visas announced by the Population and Immigration Authority.
New General Permit for Overtime Work
In line with previous instances where many employees were unable to report to their workplaces, and in order to support the continued operational continuity of various workplaces, on June 16, 2025, the Minister of Labour signed a general permit authorizing the employment of employees during overtime. This permit is currently valid through June 30, 2025.
Under the terms of this permit, employees may work up to 67 hours a week, provided that their total overtime per month does not exceed 90 hours.
In addition, employees may work up to 14 hours a day (including overtime), subject to their consent and the provision of a minimum 15-minute break between the 12th and 14th working hours, in addition to all other legally or contractually mandated breaks.
Employers must ensure that any overtime work performed under this permit takes into account the specific needs of the workplace, while also safeguarding the well-being, safety, and rights of employees.
Performance of overtime work under the terms of this permit must take into account the unique needs of the particular workplace as well as the well-being, safety, and needs of the employees.
In workplaces with more than 20 employees, overtime may be permitted under the general permit if, on the relevant date, at least 20% of the workforce was absent due to circumstances beyond the employer’s control, and the work cannot be completed with the remaining staff at the same level of output. In the case of shift work, the same applies if at least 20% of the employees scheduled for that shift are absent. These restrictions do not apply to employers classified as essential enterprises or providers of essential services under the Emergency Labour Service Law, 1967.
Updated Home Front Command Defense Guidelines
Following a situational assessment, the Home Front Command has updated its Defense Guidelines effective from Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 18:00 until Friday, June 20, 2025, at 20:00.
Under the new policy, the previous framework – based on the essentiality of workplaces – will be replaced, allowing all workplaces to operate regardless of their classification, provided that an approved protected area is accessible within the required defense time. An approved protected area refers to a shelter or a protected space within a residence, apartment, or institutional facility.
However, note that the education system remains closed, which is particularly relevant for parents, as it may entitle them to leave under certain conditions.
Important Update from the Population and Immigration Authority Regarding Visa Extensions
On June 17, 2025, the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority announced a general three-month extension for certain visas held by foreign nationals, extending their validity through September 30, 2025.
Holders of the specified visa types are not required to visit the Authority’s offices, as the extension is automatic.
Visa types eligible for an automatic extension:
B/1 – General Work Visa
B/2 – Tourist Visa
B/4 – Volunteer Visa
A/1 – Temporary Resident
A/2 – Student Visa (excluding agricultural trainees)
A/3 – Clergy Visa
A/4 – Accompanying Family Member
A/5 – Temporary Resident
DCL Permits – family reunification and humanitarian cases
Please ensure that your visa type appears in the list above. If it does, your visa remains valid through September 30, 2025, with no further action required – no special appeal, visit to the Authority’s offices, or other steps are necessary.
We will continue to keep you informed of ongoing developments and the implications of the current situation on employment and workplace matters.
