What is the premium rate for working on a public holiday in Israel?

Under the Work and Rest Hours Law 5711-1951 and related extension orders, an employee who works on a statutory public holiday is entitled to a premium of 150% of their normal hourly rate. For a worker on the 2026 minimum wage of NIS 31.60/hour, the holiday rate is approximately NIS 47.40/hour. In addition to the wage premium the employee is entitled to a compensatory rest day — meaning an employer cannot simply pay extra without providing time off in lieu. Employers in sectors governed by collective agreement extension orders may face even higher holiday premiums: the caregiver sector extension order specifies 200% plus a compensatory day off.

Israel's public holidays for Jewish employees include Rosh Hashana (2 days), Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Passover (2 days), Independence Day, Shavuot, and Tisha B'Av — approximately 9–10 paid days annually. Non-Jewish employees are entitled to the public holidays of their own religion but must receive the equivalent total number of holiday days. If an employer fails to pay the holiday premium, the shortfall can be claimed in the Regional Labor Court within the 7-year limitation period. For more detail, see Annual Leave, Sick Leave and Public Holidays in Israel: Complete Guide.