In response to a shortage of construction workers caused by the absence of Palestinian labourers, Israel has recently welcomed 2,000 foreign workers.
Despite this influx, the current number of foreign workers in Israel’s construction sector remains insufficient to fill the gap left by Palestinian workers.
According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, “Makan,” data from security circles indicate that more than 10,000 Palestinians are employed in industrial zones in the West Bank and within settlements. Before October 7, this number was as high as 40,000.
An Israeli security source told the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, “The economic situation in the West Bank is primarily an Israeli security interest,” highlighting concerns over Iran and external organizations allegedly funding hostile activities in the region, according to the Hebrew newspaper.
Unlike standard procedures in Israel, a single decision from the Central Command leader is sufficient to approve the entry of workers into the West Bank.
Data released by the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday revealed that 2,000 foreign construction workers arrived in Israel last week, with an additional 1,200 expected in the coming days, mostly from India and Sri Lanka. Israel is also considering recruiting workers from Thailand, Ecuador, and several African countries.
Sources in the construction sector told the economic newspaper Globes that the number of foreign workers in the industry is nearing 37,000.
However, this figure still falls short of compensating for the deficit created by the absence of Palestinian workers due to ongoing conflict.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that at least 36,096 people have died in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants over the past seven months. This toll includes 46 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Additionally, the ministry noted that 81,136 individuals have been wounded since the war began following Hamas militants’ attack on Israel on October 7.
