Unemployment

War doubles number of job seekers

Employment Service data for March 2026 show the number of job seekers surged to more than 396,000; 2.5 times higher than a month earlier.

Employment Service

Over 142,000 new job seekers since the start of the war

The data reveal a severe blow to women’s employment: about 60% of the new registrants are women, with the main burden falling on mothers of children under the age of 18.

Number of unemployed in high-tech sector doubled

In December 2025, the number of job seekers in the high-tech sector stood at 16,300 - double the figure recorded in December 2022 - according to a special report published Sunday morning by the Employment Service.

Artificial intelligence threatens employment in northern Israel

Data analysis reveals significant gaps between residents of northern and central Israel, especially in terms of ability to manage the challenges of artificial intelligence.

Researcher dismisses concerns for AI taking over job market

Against futurists' alarmism about a day when artificial intelligence will push most humans out of the labor market, researcher Dr. Hillel Gershoni explains why that will not happen.

172.7 job seekers:

Israel’s job seeker numbers drop sharply in September

Israel’s job seekers fell to 172,700 in September, down 7.2% from August. The Employment Service attributes the drop to workers returning after summer layoffs, reflecting a resilient labor market.

One-third of bereaved family members have not returned to work

A first-of-its-kind study of 205 bereaved family members from the Swords Of Iron war found that more than one-third of respondents have not returned to work.

Newton, Massachusetts shooting:

Man who shot anti-Israel attacker loses job

Scott Hayes, the disabled veteran who shot an anti-Israel activist who ran across a busy street and tackled him in Massachusetts, says that he was fired by his employer because of the incident.

"Rights in a Click"

New project to help Israelis apply for unemployment rights

National Insurance Institute and Pitchon-Lev launch new project to improve rights utilization.

Just 6 US states have recovered from COVID-19 unemployment

Despite a rebounding GDP, 88% of US states are still grappling with high unemployment rates.

US new unemployment claims hit 52-year low

Number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits drops to 52-year low.

In wake of Covid-19 crisis: Aviation workers protest at airport

Employees of El Al, Arkia, Israir protest: 'The government has decided it doesn't need Israeli air companies; they've abandoned us.'

Employment Service: 50,000 unemployment stipends frozen

'For a significant percentage of job seekers, unemployment payments became an obstacle to returning to work,' Employment Service head says.

US jobless claims fall to lowest since start of pandemic

With decrease in those seeking unemployment benefits, the job market appears to be making encouraging gains.

Jobless claims rise as lockdown continues

Teachers and salespeople have been the hardest hit by COVID-19's economic effects.

50,337 new jobseekers since tightening of lockdown

In past day, 11,029 new jobseekers have registered with the Employment Service in the past day. 110,263 registered since start of lockdown.

Naftali Bennett unveils economic plan

"From unemployment to income within 200 days."

28% of new immigrants unemployed amid coronavirus pandemic

New immigrants in Israel face significantly hired levels of unemployment during coronavirus crisis than other Israelis.

Low-income workers still reeling from coronavirus crisis

While high-income workers have recovered from the economic crisis, one out of five low-wage earners still unemployed.

Once again, almost a million registered unemployed

Over a quarter of a million people registered as new jobseekers during the current lockdown.

File for unemployment even if you’ve never worked before!

Are you above the age of 16 and unemployed? If so, you may be eligible for federal unemployment benefits!

Half a million Israelis still unemployed due to COVID-19 crisis

More than half of the one million Israelis who lost their jobs due to restrictions imposed during coronavirus pandemic are still unemployed.

Professional training won't reduce unemployment benefits

Finance Min. Yisrael Katz cancels reduction in unemployment payments, eyes encouraging employers to retrain employees on unpaid leave.

Finance Ministry to present coronavirus aid package

PM Netanyahu, Finance MIn. Katz, to present plan to help businesses, improve unemployment payments.

Global searches for nearby jobs skyrocket

Data shows significant rise in number of people searching for nearby jobs during coronavirus outbreak.

Unemployment payments extended to mid-August

Knesset approves extension of unemployment payments, as well as expansion to include those receiving other stipends.

Jobs drop 27.4% in April

Hospitality and food sectors in Israel see 75.7% loss in jobs in first month of coronavirus lockdown.

Unemployment payments to be extended to August

PM Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Katz approve extending unemployment benefits for seniors laid off or placed on leave.

Will coronavirus leave a lasting impact on the workplace?

The coronavirus crisis and its impact on the labor market: Permanent damage or a short-term setback with long-term potential?

Israelis who lost jobs due to pandemic haven't returned to work

Nearly 70% of Israelis unemployed due to coronavirus outbreak have not returned to work, statistics show.

Employment Service to restart face-to-face meetings

Those applying for unemployment after June 14 will be required to appear in person within two weeks, Israel Employment Service announces.

White House: Unemployment rate will top 20%

Senior White House economic advisor warns latest unemployment rate doesn't include latest round of layoffs. '

US unemployment claims climb to 6.6 million

Weekly unemployment claims set new record of nearly 10 times previous record as economy reacts to coronavirus crisis.

'One hand gives to the self-employed, the other hand takes away'

Knesset Finance Committee discusses whether to tax coronavirus-era unemployment grant for self-employed.

The next six million - voluntary disappearance?

US unemployment claims fall to lowest level in 49 years

Unemployment fillings fall to lowest level since 1969 as number of job openings hits all-time high.

Good speech - tough room

Israel unemployment rate at historic low

PM Netanyahu: Israel blessed with lowest level of unemployment in 40 years, 'proof that our economic policy works'.

'Israel must prepare for employment disaster'

From the heart of Israel, a vision to counter unemployment with an eye to the future.

Israeli Ethiopians are doing better than ever

Government sees 39% drop in number of Ethiopians relying on welfare income supplements.

Tens of Thousands of Jobs in Israel Go Unfilled

There were more available jobs – and more available high-paying jobs - in Israel in the fourth quarter of 2014 than ever before.

Analysts: Iran Sanctions Did Enormous Harm to Country

Analysts Wednesday listed some of the economic damage done to Iran by the sanctions – and that damage has been substantial.

More Israeli Men Working in August than Ever

Mixed news as more men working, even as unemployment rises to 6.4% in August during Operation Protective Edge.

International Monetary Fund: Israel's GDP Growth Stable

Israel's GDP continues to grow, according to new report - but unemployment in specific populations continue to threaten that growth.

Report: In Spite of Strong Economy, Israeli Poverty Still High

High unemployment among Arab women, hareidi men contributes towards Israel ranking bottom out of 35 OECD states.

Average Salary Up, Unemployment Low

The average salary in Israel rose 1.6% in April, following a separate 1.8% increase recorded in January. Meanwhile, unemployment remains low

Unemployment Down Again in Israel

The Israeli economy continues to do well in the face of ongoing problems in the world economy, with unemployment down again

157,000 U.S. Jobs Added in January Shows Slow Growth

Employers added 157,000 jobs, down from December's upwardly revised 196,000, the Labor Department said.

US Weekly Unemployment Claims Rise

New claims for US unemployment insurance benefits rose last week but were still in line with an improving trend in the jobs market.

Jobless Rate Spikes in Euro Bloc, Returning Recession

Unemployment reached a new high in October in the European Union, spiking at 11.7 percent in the 17-nation bloc.

Report: 70% of Arab Youth Want to Leave Region

Arab League population experts warn 70% of Arab youth want to leave the Middle East to seek a better life elsewhere.

Bank of Israel: An Economically Healthy New Year

The Bank of Israel sees a healthy new year for the economy. Inflation to fall. Interest rate steady. Economy to outstrip growth in US.

Hearings on Solyndra Commence

Republicans Believe Solyndra Scandal Will Scorch Democrats

The House will begin hearings on the Obama Administration poster company that went bankrupt, leaving the government holding the bag.

Unemployment at New Low of 5.5%

Unemployment drops to 5.5%. Steinitz: this proves that Netanyahu's financial policies are sound.

Unemployment in Israel is Dropping, More Jobs Found

Fewer Israelis unemployed in May, more new workers find jobs.

Israel's Unemployment Rate Drops - Again

Israel's unemployment rate drops for the third quarter in a row.