Israel will switch to daylight saving time overnight between Thursday and Friday, with clocks moving forward by one hour at 2:00 a.m., reducing sleep by an hour but extending evening daylight.
Daylight saving time will remain in effect until October 25, 2026, when clocks will be set back to winter time.
Most smartphones update automatically, but users are advised to check their settings if unsure. Devices should be set to automatic time updates or manually adjusted to the “Jerusalem” time zone if needed.
Change governed by Israeli law
The seasonal clock change is regulated under Time Determination Law, which sets daylight saving time from the Friday before the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October each year.
The transition also signals the seasonal shift toward warmer weather and longer daylight hours.
On the final day of wintertime, sunrise is at 05:34 and sunset at 17:58. On the first day of daylight saving time, sunrise will be at 06:33 and sunset at 18:59.
Health and biological effects linked to light exposure
Experts say seasonal changes in daylight affect the body’s internal clock. During winter, reduced sunlight exposure increases melatonin levels, a hormone that regulates sleep, often leading to greater fatigue.
Serotonin, which influences mood, is also linked to light exposure. Lower levels during darker months have been associated with decreased mood and energy levels.
The shift to daylight saving time is intended to better align daily activity with natural light patterns.
Debate continues over benefits and drawbacks
Supporters of daylight saving time say the extended evening daylight improves quality of life and economic productivity by allowing more use of daylight hours.
Critics argue that winter time reduces family time in the evenings, may increase traffic accidents due to driving in darkness, and creates economic inefficiencies. Some also point to misalignment with time zones in Europe and other regions.
Globally, many countries — including most in Asia, Africa and South America — do not observe seasonal clock changes. The European Parliament voted in 2019 to allow member states to abolish the practice, though implementation has varied.
In Israel, the issue has been debated repeatedly, but lawmakers have so far opted to maintain the current system.
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