In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through Israeli business and political circles, Harel Wiesel, owner of the FOX store, revealed Sunday evening that he had been threatened by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich not to join the protest against judicial reform, according to a report. report of Kan.
Wiesel made the claim during an evening business forum held in Tel Aviv, claiming that Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut, had relayed the threat to him. The allegations have sparked a heated debate about the integrity of the country’s business and political landscape.
According to Wiesel, during his ongoing communication with Bar-David, the Histadrut president expressed concern about the implications of joining the protest.
Bar-David allegedly cited an agreement with Smotrich regarding 600,000 employees and mentioned receiving threats that any dissenting comments would lead to the dissolution of the agreement.
Histadrut President Arnon Ben Dor speaks at a press conference attended by heads of the Israeli business sector attend a press conference at the Histadrut Union in Tel Aviv on March 27, 2023. (Credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/ MAARIV)
If the claims are true, they highlight a possible interference with freedom of expression
These claims, if true, highlight the potential interference with free expression and raise questions about the power dynamics at play.
In response to the revelations, Bar-David quickly denied the allegations, stating that he has not had any conversations with Wiesel since March.
He firmly assured that he has not been subjected to any kind of threats or extortion. Emphasizing his dedication to the welfare of workers in Israel, Bar-David dismissed the leaked information as a collection of baseless rumours. He stressed the need for responsible actions to navigate the sensitive period the nation is currently experiencing.
News of the alleged threats and extortion attempts comes as the Histadrut, Israel’s largest trade union, faces internal and external challenges.
The organization plays a fundamental role in representing the interests of workers and in the negotiation of labor agreements.
As the country grapples with contentious debates over judicial reform and the narrowing of reasonable cause, tensions have risen in the Histadrut and the wider business community.
During the afternoon business forum attended by influential figures such as Dana Azrieli, Liora Ofer, Marcus Nacht and Eitan Bar-Ze’ev, concerns were raised about the protest’s potential impact on the Israeli economy.
Participants debated the appropriate response to crossing what they considered a “red line” regarding legislation and its effects on reasonable cause.
While divergent views emerged, with some advocating for negotiations and others expressing reluctance to shut down the economy at this time, unity among business leaders to address the challenges of the future was evident.
As the allegations continue to resonate in the business and political spheres, the situation remains fluid.
Bar-David and the Treasury are expected to sign the second phase of a wage deal on Monday, which is expected to release additional funds.
Meanwhile, stakeholders and observers are closely watching the developments to verify the veracity of the claims and assess their potential impact on Israeli society and economy.
“Following the suspension of the legislation, the forum calls on the heads of all Knesset parties, both coalition and opposition, to immediately return to negotiations,” the forum stated. “As long as leaders on all political sides do not act as the urgency of the situation demands before it becomes irreversible, the forum will take decisive action by the legal means at its disposal to bring politicians back to the negotiating table.”
