Finance Ministry Reveals Shocking Labor Market Data

Chief Economist of the Finance Ministry Shmuel Abramzon published data showing that from September 2023 to May 2026, Israel's labor market lost 160,000 active citizens, and the labor force participation rate dropped from 63.9% to 61.6%. The decline affected all sectors except Arab women, who saw a 1.5% increase.

Chief Economist of the Ministry of Finance Shmuel Abramzon released data indicating that from September 2023 to May 2026, the Israeli labor market lost 160,000 active citizens. The labor force participation rate fell from 63.9% to 61.6% — a decrease of 2.3%. The decline was recorded in almost all demographic segments: secular men and women, ultra-Orthodox, and men in the Arab sector. The only exception was Arab women, who saw a slight increase of 1.5%. Partial factors cited include regular reserve duty call-ups and state benefits for the ultra-Orthodox, but these reasons do not explain the scale of the exodus. The labor market has not yet shown an acute shortage of workers or a sharp rise in wages. The article references a publication by The Marker.