Knesset Election Day 2026: Employee Rights, Paid Leave and Compensation Rules
As Israel approaches the October 27 Knesset elections, employment experts clarify worker rights, mandatory day-off regulations, and compensation rules for election day.
As Israel prepares for the upcoming Knesset elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, employers and employees alike are navigating the legal nuances surrounding election day rights, mandatory leave, and compensation. Attorney Shani Marom, a partner in the employment law department at AYR - Amar Reiter Jeanne Shochtovitch & Co., outlines the core regulations governing the upcoming election day.
Is Election Day a Paid Day Off?
Yes, election day is officially designated as a day of rest under the Knesset Elections Law (1969). Eligible employees are entitled to be absent from work and still receive their regular salary, even if they did not work. However, the law allows for the continued operation of specific election-related services, public utilities, and designated essential businesses.
Can Employers Compel Employees to Work?
The law does not issue a blanket ban on employment on election day. Work can proceed based on workplace needs and existing collective agreements, provided that every employee is granted sufficient time to cast their ballot. If a workplace remains closed, the employer may declare a mandatory day off.
"Employers should establish a clear policy in advance regarding workplace openings, compensation methods, and voting access, updating employees early to prevent unnecessary disputes." - Adv. Shani Marom
Compensation and Special Rules for Foreign Workers
While the law does not explicitly mandate a 200% wage for working on election day, decades of precedent and collective agreements have established a standard practice of either double pay or a regular wage combined with a compensatory day off. Furthermore, foreign workers in sectors such as nursing, construction, agriculture, and hospitality do not automatically fall under the standard election day leave framework, requiring case-by-case evaluation based on industry regulations.
