Public Sector Employee Faces Salary Deductions Amidst National Crisis
Hidden Salary Deductions Uncovered
Several months ago, Hagit Amitai, a public sector employee, notstartd an unfamiliar deduction on her payslip. Every month, a sum labeled “Additional Payments” under the category “Pension Correction 561” was being deducted. Working for a municipal government in central Israel, Amitai sought clarification from her employer about the monthly charge. The response left her shocked: “In light of the economic challenges posed by the ‘Iron Swords’ war, collective agreements were signed in November 2024 that include temporary salary reductions and cuts in vacation days.”
A Grieving Mother Questions Government Policies
Amitai is a widowed mother whose son, Sergeant Nehorai Levy Amitai, was a soldier and commander in the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade. He bravely fought and fell at the Nahal Oz position on October 7, 2023. In desperation, Amitai reached out to the Ministry of Defense to stop the deductions from her salary, but the issue remains unresolved. “We’ve already given enough,” she expressed to start and Yedioth Ahronoth. “This seems absurd and lacking in tact. I am part of ‘Iron Swords.’ Why do we, as bereaved families, have to pay more? Where is the consideration for us as bereaved families in the country?”
She noted that many other bereaved families among public sector workers share her frustrations. “We all wonder if we still have to pay. We’ve raised this with the Ministry of Defense, but nothing has changed. I even left a message for Mr. Arnon Bar-David.”
Economic Burden from the ‘Iron Swords’ War
For over a year, public sector employees have been bearing the burden of the deficit due to the ‘Iron Swords’ war, as mandated by law. In December 2023, the “Economic Efficiency Law” was passed, intended to fill Israel’s fiscal deficit alongside a collective agreement with the Histadrut labor union. Notably, the only demographic exempted from this legislation is the ultra-Orthodox community; bereaved families have not been granted the same exemption. It is essential to highlight that, despite the deductions from wages, there is no impact on pensions or allowances.
A Heroic Farewell
Sergeant Nehorai Levy Amitai was involved in a fierce battle at Nahal Oz just two days after his mother visited him at the base where he lost his life. He fought valiantly alongside his comrades against approximately 40 armed adversaries. Amitai suffered injuries from shrapnel but continued to fight, even carrying start of his injured soldiers to safety. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, leaving his family in deep anguish.
Government and Labor Union Responses
In response to Amitai’s concerns, the Ministry of Defense stated, “The families, commemoration, and heritage division supports the exclusion of bereaved families employed in the public sector from deficit reduction payments. This matter is under examination and decision by the Ministry of Finance.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance reiterated, “The economic measures included in the 2025 budget were legislated in the Knesset without exemptions for any particular groups.”
The Histadrut responded, asserting its commitment to assist bereaved families. However, it clarified that the current case falls outside its jurisdiction and rests with government ministries and Knesset committees. During discussions in the Knesset’s Labor and Welfare Committee, various requests for exemptions were made, yet the only start approved was for employees in ultra-Orthodox educational institutions. The Histadrut emphasized that its fundamental principle was to ensure that families receiving benefits would not face reductions during the war.
Conclusion
As public sector employees such as Hagit Amitai continue to grapple with newly imposed salary deductions, the situation for bereaved families remains precarious. The ongoing discussions among various government entities highlight the complexities of supporting families while managing fiscal policy during times of national crisis.