Israel gripped by general strike
Israel's main trade union has launched an open-ended general strike which threatens to bring transport and public services across the country to a halt.
Flights at Israel's only international airport, Tel Aviv, were cancelled as the strike came into force at 0900 (0700 GMT) after talks failed.
The stoppage was called by the powerful Histadrut union over local authorities failing to pay workers' salaries.
The action affects government offices, firefighters, buses and railways.
In the past, such strikes have effectively brought normal business in Israel to a halt.
Football concession
Israeli media reports that the national labour court is convening to consider a government request that it issue restraining orders which could end the strike
Speaking ahead of the stoppage, Israeli Finance Minister Avraham Hirschson said workers would be paid in the next two weeks, so there was "no reason to paralyse the economy".
The union says thousands of its workers have not been paid for months.
The strike had been due to begin at 0600 but was pushed back by three hours as government officials and trade union chiefs made a last ditch effort to hammer out a deal, but when those talks collapsed the union decided to press ahead.
However, union leaders decided to make one exception to the strike - airport workers will be back on duty on Thursday evening for a single incoming flight - carrying the England football team.
They are due to play Israel in a Euro 2008 qualifying match on Saturday.
Union boss Ofer Eini said he did not want the stoppage to spoil the football match, or Israel's chance of advancing in the competition, so a flight carrying the England team and match officials would be allowed to land.
Flights scheduled to bring England fans, however, will not.
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Published: 2007/03/21 07:51:28 GMT
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