In the aftermath of the heinous October 7 attacks, Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat from the Likud party articulated a decisive albeit controversial strategy: phasing out Palestinian labor in favor of foreign workers, effectively shutting the doors to Palestinians which would have dire consequences for their economy, but bring many Israelis peace of mind. This shift is not just a reactionary measure to a single tragic event, but a profound reevaluation of national security and economic strategy.
On October 7, Israel experienced one of its darkest days, revealing vulnerabilities in its labor force composition. Speaking at a conferfence in Jerusalem, Minister Barkat pinpointed the employment of Palestinian workers as a security risk, alleging some were involved in intelligence gathering for Hamas. This accusation is part of a broader narrative that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is complicit, through its "pay-for-slay" program, in incentivizing violence against Israelis.
The repercussions of 10/7 will last for years for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Israel will close the border to workers. The Palestinians will be on their own to hold businesses and employ their people. Israel is preparing to bring in thousands of foreign workers
— say what? (@spinecrushers) January 9, 2024
To mitigate this risk, Barkat proposes a radical overhaul of Israel's labor market. The plan involves transitioning from Palestinian to foreign labor, emphasizing the need for rapid action. The minister's plan is underpinned by the belief that foreign workers present a significantly lower security threat and can effectively fill Israel's labor needs.
Currently, Israel hosts approximately 130,000 foreign workers but needs an additional 170,000 to meet demand. Barkat's recent discussions with India's economy minister highlight the global nature of this labor shift, with countries like India eager to participate. This move is not just about filling low-skilled jobs; it's about strategically aligning Israel's workforce with its economic ambitions, pushing Israeli workers towards high-tech and skilled sectors.
Workers from Gaza provided copious, detailed intel to Hamas for the Oct 7 massacre. Israel MUST replace these people with foreign workers. https://t.co/5NlPLifAkI
— Mayer Fertig (@MayerFertig) January 7, 2024
Barkat dismisses concerns of collective punishment towards Palestinians, arguing that Israel is not responsible for job creation in the Palestinian territories. He stresses that the PA must foster its own economic growth and employment opportunities.
In the broader context of Israel's economy, Barkat remains optimistic. Despite temporary setbacks due to regional conflicts, he sees a pattern of resilience and growth in Israel's economy, particularly in the high-tech sector. The government's billion-shekel investment in building industry clusters, following Professor Michael E. Porter's economic model, is a testament to this optimism. This initiative aims to foster public-private partnerships, boosting Israel's competitive edge globally.
The #Palestinian Authority would carry out an #October7Massacre if it had the opportunity, Economy Minister Nir Barkat said Tuesday. “We cannot take any risks,” the minister said.
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) January 10, 2024
✍️By @MaayanJaffe https://t.co/7b9tH5md6A
In conclusion, Barkat's strategy represents a significant pivot in Israel's labor and economic policies, driven by security concerns and economic aspirations. While the move may have profound implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations, it is seen by the minister as a necessary step in ensuring Israel's long-term security and economic prosperity.
