Understanding Legal Working Hours in Israel
The standard legal working hours in Israel are governed by the Israel Hours of Work and Rest Law (5711–1951), which dictates a 42-hour workweek as of April 2018. For most employees, this translates to a workday of 8.6 hours over five days or 8 hours over six days, with Sundays through Thursdays being the typical workweek. Employees are entitled to a weekly rest period of at least 36 consecutive hours, which includes the religious rest day.
Compliance with these hours is crucial as exceeding them without proper documentation can lead to legal complications. Employers must maintain accurate records of working hours, including start and end times and breaks. Rest breaks are mandated for workdays of 6 hours or more, totaling at least 45 minutes with a minimum 30-minute continuous break. These regulations ensure fair work practices and protect employees' rights.