Israel 'sunemployment rate slipped to 6.5% in January from 6.8% in December amid a decline in the labor force, the Central Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday.
The number of employed was unchanged at 3.396 million, with 59.3% of those above the age of 15 having jobs, down from 59.4% in December, the bureau said.
The participation rate in the labor force of those above 15 years old decreased to 63.4% from 63.7%.
In 2012, the jobless rate was 6.9%. Israel's economy is slowing as a result of the global downturn and grew an estimated 3.2% in 2012 after a 4.6% pace in 2011.
It is projected to grow 2.8% this year, excluding natural gas production.