Career2026-02-01·2 דקות קריאה

Employee Rights in Israel — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about employee rights in Israel — labor law, benefits, notice periods, severance pay, and more.

Employee Rights in Israel — Complete Guide

Whether you're a new immigrant, an expat, or simply starting your first job in Israel, understanding your employee rights is essential. Israeli labor law provides strong protections for workers — here's what you need to know.

Minimum Wage

The national minimum wage in Israel is NIS 5,880.02 per month for a full-time position (42 hours/week). The hourly minimum wage is NIS 32.30. Employers who pay below minimum wage face criminal penalties.

Working Hours and Overtime

Standard work week: 42 hours (typically 8.6 hours/day, 5 days)
First 2 overtime hours: 125% pay
From the 3rd overtime hour: 150% pay
Work on the weekly rest day: at least 150% pay

Annual Leave

Vacation days increase with tenure:

Years 1-4: 12 days
Year 5: 14 days
Year 6: 16 days
Year 7+: up to 28 days

Sick Leave

Employees accumulate 1.5 sick days per month (18 days/year). Payment structure:

Day 1: unpaid
Days 2-3: 50% pay
Day 4 onward: 100% pay

A doctor's note is required from the first day.

Pension and Retirement

Mandatory pension contributions apply to all employees:

Employer contribution: 6.5%
Employee contribution: 6%
Severance fund: 6% (employer)

These contributions begin after 6 months of employment (or immediately for employees with a prior pension plan).

Severance Pay

Employees terminated after at least one year of employment are entitled to one month's salary per year of service. Under Section 14 of the Severance Pay Law, most employers deposit 8.33% monthly into a severance fund, which replaces the obligation upon termination.

Notice Period

Both employers and employees must provide advance notice before ending employment:

First 6 months: 1 day per month worked
6-12 months: 6 days + 2.5 days per additional month
After 1 year: 1 full month's notice

Recuperation Pay (Dmei Havra'a)

After completing one year of employment, workers are entitled to recuperation pay — approximately NIS 418 per day. The number of days increases with tenure, starting at 5 days for the first year.

Protections Against Discrimination

Israeli law prohibits workplace discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or parental status. Employees who face discrimination can file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Summary

Israel's labor laws provide comprehensive protections for employees. Knowing your rights helps you ensure fair treatment and make informed career decisions.