Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On and Histadrut Labor Union head Ofer Eini failed to reach a compromise in a meeting on Monday to discuss a wage increase for public employees.  Eini issued a statement shortly after the failed meeting saying that a general strike was inevitable.  Histadrut officials will meet on Monday night and decide when to hold the strike, he said.

The Histadrut is demanding a 10.4% wage increase, an increase similar to that granted to senior public servants such as ministers and Members of Knesset.  Finance Ministry officials have countered with offers of a 0.2% raise.