Local authorities declared a day-long strike Tuesday and employees took to the streets, blocking roads and intersections throughout Israel.
Union Chairman Shlomo Buhbut was among the protestors. "We have reached the limit of our ability to understand how the government of an enlightened state decides to abuse its citizens," he said.
Protestors at junction (Photo: Ahiya Raved)
"They talk about efficiency and saving, but sitting down with more than 30 ministers at a table laden with croissants and drinks while a million and a half civilians starve is just unbelievable."
Druze local authorities also took part in the strike. "This is about true concern for civilians. Everyone feels the budget cuts in education and culture," said the chairman of the Forum of Heads of Druze and Circassian Local Authorities, Salah Fares.
"Unfortunately no one really wants to help. We have appealed to the Interior Ministry and the Treasury, but no one has shown true willingness to work for the welfare of the state's citizens."
Sderot Mayor David Buskila took part in a protest in the south. "If there is no progress and we don't reach agreements. This battle will worsen soon. Our feeling is that the government of Israel abandoned us," he said.
Buskila added that the rocket fire on the city had not lessened by much, despite what many believe. "Since Operation Cast Lead 540 rockets and mortar shells have been fired, so there is fire almost every day. Those who talk about relative calm don't understand the reality here," he said.
The authority heads plan to continue to fight. A protest tent has been set up across from the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem, which will be manned by various leaders until the union decides otherwise.
Ahiya Raved, Hagai Einav, Raanan Ben-Zur, and Shmulik Hadad contributed to this report