What are the paid vs. unpaid leaves in Israel?

Employees in Israel are entitled to several types of statutory leave under local labor law. These include both paid and unpaid leave, depending on the nature of the leave and the employee's eligibility. 

What Types of Leave Are Paid in Israel?

The following leave types are paid by either the employer or the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi), subject to certain conditions and documentation requirements.

1. Annual Leave (Paid Vacation)

• Entitlement: At least 12 working days per year for full-time employees during the first four years of employment; increases with seniority up to a maximum of 28 days.

• Accrual: Accrued monthly.

• Eligibility: Pro-rated for part-time employees.

• Notes: Unused leave can be carried forward, subject to legal or contractual limits.

• Approval Required: Yes, via advance leave request.

• Paid by: Employer

2. Sick Leave

• Entitlement: 1.5 days per month, up to 90 days.

• Pay Rate:

  • Day 1: Unpaid

  • Days 2–3: 50% of salary

  • Day 4 onward: 100% of salary

• Documentation: Medical certificate required

• Paid by: Employer

3. Maternity Leave (Partial Pay)

• Duration: 26 weeks (approximately 6 months)

  • 15 weeks paid

  • 11 weeks unpaid (unless otherwise agreed with the employer)

• Eligibility: At least 10 of the past 14 months or 15 of the past 22 months worked before the expected due date

• Paid by: National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi)

4. Paternity Leave (Partial Pay)

• Entitlement:

  • 1 paid day (deducted from sick leave balance)

  • Up to 2 additional unpaid days

• Conditions: Granted if the spouse is hospitalized due to childbirth

• Paid by: Employer (first day only)

5. Bereavement Leave

• Entitlement: Paid leave following the death of a close family member

• Conditions: Duration may vary depending on the relationship and any applicable collective agreement

• Paid by: Employer

6. Voting Leave

• Entitlement:

  • Paid day off if elections fall on a public holiday

  • 2–3 paid hours off if elections are not on a public holiday

• Paid by: Employer

What Types of Leave Are Unpaid in Israel?

The following leave types are unpaid, though job protection may still apply.

1. Unpaid Portion of Maternity Leave

• Duration: Up to 11 additional weeks beyond the 15 paid weeks

• Conditions: May be extended only with employer approval

2. Extended Parental Leave

• Entitlement: Up to one year of unpaid parental leave from the date of birth

• Eligibility: At least one year of continuous service

• Conditions: Subject to employer approval

3. Unpaid Paternity Leave

• Entitlement: 2 unpaid days (in addition to 1 paid day) if the spouse is hospitalized during childbirth

• Conditions: Employer approval required

4. Reserve Duty (Miluim)

• Entitlement: Employees called for military reserve duty are not paid by the employer during the absence

• Compensation: Paid directly to the employee by Bituach Leumi

• Job Protection: Employees are protected from dismissal during service

• Employer Role: May file for reimbursement on behalf of the employee