Question 1

What is furlough (chal't) under Israeli labor law?

Accepted Answer

Furlough (chal't — chufsha lo betashlum, or temporary unpaid leave) is a period during which an employee is temporarily sent home without pay, while the employment relationship continues. The employer does not terminate employment — the expectation is that the employee will return to work when circumstances permit. Unlike dismissal, furlough does not trigger severance pay obligations.

Question 2

Can an employer send an employee on furlough without consent?

Accepted Answer

An employer can place an employee on furlough for up to 30 days in a calendar year without the employee's consent. Beyond 30 days, the employee's consent is required — or the employer must follow the process for collective agreement approval. An employer who extends furlough beyond the permitted period without consent may be treating the employee as dismissed.

Question 3

Is an employee entitled to unemployment benefit (dmei avtala) during furlough?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An employee on furlough beyond a qualifying period is entitled to unemployment benefit from the NII (dmei avtala). Entitlement requires: at least 12 months of NII contributions in the preceding 18 months, registration as a jobseeker at the Employment Service, and meeting the other eligibility criteria. The benefit rate depends on the employee's salary and tenure.

Question 4

Does the employer need to pay pension contributions during furlough?

Accepted Answer

During paid furlough, regular pension contributions continue. During unpaid furlough, the employer is generally not required to continue contributions, and the employee may arrange to continue their own contributions independently. The furlough period typically counts toward service seniority for severance purposes, depending on the agreement.

Question 5

What happens if the employer does not call the employee back after furlough?

Accepted Answer

If the employer does not recall the employee within a reasonable time — typically 30 days — the employee may be treated as having been dismissed, entitling them to severance pay and advance notice from the date the extended furlough began. The exact threshold depends on the circumstances and any prior agreements.

Question 6

Can an employee resign during furlough and claim severance?

Accepted Answer

An employee who resigns during furlough is generally not entitled to severance pay — unless the furlough constitutes a material breach of the employment agreement or amounts to constructive dismissal. Extended furlough beyond the permitted period, without consent, may support a constructive dismissal claim.

Furlough (Chal't) in Israel 2026

Furlough — The Legal Framework

Frequently Asked Questions

On Furlough and Need Advice?