Israeli doctors, health system strike after judicial reform bill passes

JULY 24, 2023 18:49

Updated: JULY 25, 2023 11:01

A picture taken in Sourasky Medical Center Tel Aviv on the day of the strike against violence in medical facilities. The sign reads: There is a strike here. Enough with the violence. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV) — A picture taken in Sourasky Medical Center Tel Aviv on the day of the strike against violence in medical facilities. The sign reads: There is a strike here. Enough with the violence.

(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)

As part of the strike announced by the Israeli Medical Association, hospitals will operate in a "Shabbat mode" on Tuesday.

Some 73% of medical residents will support the protest against the judicial reform and strike on Tuesday, the Residents' Organization announced on Monday evening.

Additionally, the Israel Medical Association decided to disable the work of doctors for 24 hours in a decision that was voted on unanimously.

"It has been decided in the organization to support the call of the 'White Coats' and to call on all residents to join emergency assemblies across the country tomorrow and switch to working on an emergency basis," the organization said.

Hospitals will operate in 'Shabbat mode'

As part of the strike announced by the Israeli Medical Association, hospitals will operate in "Shabbat mode" on Tuesday.

The emergency rooms in hospitals are excluded from the strike and will operate as usual.

Protesters hold up a large Israeli flag at a demonstration following a parliament vote on a contested bill that limits Supreme Court powers to void some government decisions, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)

All the hospitals in Jerusalem as well as community clinics in the Jerusalem district will be exempt from the strike and will operate normally due to the large number of people in the Jerusalem area and the complex situation.

MKs seek Labor Court injunction to prevent healthcare strike

Health Minister Moshe Arbel and Director-General of the Health Ministry Moshe Bar Siman Tov held an urgent discussion on Monday evening with Deputy Attorney General Avital Sompolinsky and representatives of the State Attorney's Office regarding the Israeli Medical Association's intended labor strike.

During the discussion, the health minister directed the submission of a request for an injunction to the Labor Court in an effort to prevent the doctors' strike.