A general strike has been launched in local authorities across Israel on Monday. The Union of Local Authorities said that negotiations held with the Prime Minister's Office broke down overnight. The education system appears to be suffering the greatest confusion.
"It's utter chaos out here. Many people aren't sure what they're supposed to be doing," one person said.
Many schools were closed as security guards were on strike. According to the law, all education establishments must employ a security guard in order to remain open.
No garbage collection (Photo: Yaron Brener)
Kindergarten teacher aides are also on strike which means that nurseries that have the help of parent volunteers are the only ones able to operate.
The strike also includes garbage collectors and parking inspectors. In addition, social welfare services will not be provided.
Chaos was reported among other places in Rishon Lezion. "There are conflicting reports and the parents don't know what to do. Parents greeted the children instead of the security guards at the elementary schools," said PTA chairman Ohad Ozon.
No interruptions in Ramat Gan studies (Photo: Motti Kimchi)
Confusion was also recorded in the Arab sector. "There was confusion in the schools because some of the students didn’t show up and the parents thought that the strike includes the education establishment," Kafr Kassem Mayor Nader Sarsur said. "The Arab sector is the biggest victim here especially when it comes to water rates and a ban on donation."
However, studies are being held in many other local authorities such as Beersheba, Arad, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem Lod and Hof Ashkelon,
Education Ministry data indicate that most special education services have also been halted.
Tomer Velmer, Omri Efraim, Ilana Curiel, Maor Buchnik, Gilad Morag, Shmulik Hadad contributed to this report