According to the CBS Labor Force Survey Data for May 2026, a total of 4,469,000 Israelis were considered in the workforce (61.6%), of whom 126,500 (2.8%) were unemployed.

According to the CBS Labor Force Survey Data for May 2026, a total of 4,469,000 Israelis were considered in the workforce (61.6%), of whom 126,500 (2.8%) were unemployed.

The Employment Service links the historic unemployment surge to AI, but experts blame downsizings on high interest rates, a weak dollar, and past over-hiring by companies.

Inbal Mashash, director general of the Israel Employment Service, spoke on Tuesday with Anat Davidov on the program 'Where the Money Is' and addressed the worrying trend.