Can an Israeli employee be dismissed during military reserve service?

No. Dismissal of an employee during military reserve service (miluim) or within 30 days of returning from service requires a permit from a dedicated committee established under the Military Service Law (Consolidated Version) 5746-1986. Dismissing a reservist without this permit is illegal, and courts consistently treat it as a prohibited ground for termination. The protection applies during the service period itself and for 30 days after the employee returns. Employers who dismiss reservists during this window face reinstatement orders and compensation of at least 6 months' salary under the Employment (Equal Opportunities) Law 5748-1988.

For foreign workers, this protection applies only if they serve in the Israeli military — limited to olim (new immigrants) who have enlisted. Non-citizen foreign workers on work permits do not serve in the IDF and so this protection does not typically apply to them. Israeli citizens and permanent residents are fully covered. Courts may order reinstatement if the employer-employee relationship has not irreparably broken down, and compensation is available even when reinstatement is impractical. For more detail, see Wrongful Termination in Israel: Rights, Procedures and Remedies.