Manufacturers' Association Urges Government to Cancel Local Election Sabbath Day Amidst Economic Challenges

n response to the financial strains imposed by the ongoing war and the imperative to cut costs, Dr. Ron Tomer, President of the Federation of Manufacturers, has called upon Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel to eliminate the Sabbath day in the upcoming local elections scheduled for January 30. The president contends that the unnecessary day off will incur an estimated cost of approximately NIS 3 billion to the economy, with about NIS 2 billion burdening the private sector.

In a letter addressed to the ministers, Dr. Tomer highlighted the economic impact of holding elections on a Sabbath day, citing figures from the Economic Research Department of the Manufacturers' Association. He emphasized that the financial strain falls disproportionately on employers, including small and medium-sized enterprises, who have borne the brunt of funding Sabbath days due to frequent elections in recent years.

"With the country facing unprecedented economic challenges amid the ongoing war, it is imperative to relieve the business sector of unjustified financial burdens," the letter stated. Dr. Tomer urged the government to take swift action to cancel the Sabbath day, emphasizing that the financial strain is unwarranted, particularly in the current crisis.

The Manufacturers' Association underscored the special obligation to cancel the Sabbath day, especially given the exorbitant cost of the war. Dr. Tomer pointed out that, according to Ministry of Finance estimates, the monthly damage to the GDP is projected at NIS 11.8 billion, potentially escalating to NIS 20.1 billion if the conflict expands. Against this backdrop, maintaining a Sabbath on election day would add an avoidable burden to an already stressed business sector.

The Manufacturers' Association's plea comes at a critical time when the government is grappling with the economic fallout of the war, and business leaders are advocating for pragmatic solutions to alleviate financial pressures on the private sector. The ball is now in the court of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, as they face mounting calls to reconsider the scheduling of local elections in light of the nation's economic challenges.