Israeli Knesset Studies Bringing Druze Workers from Syria to Work in the Agricultural Sector - Sarmad

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronot reported that the Knesset is considering allowing the entry of Druze workers from Syria into Israel for employment, a move aimed at helping to address labor shortages, particularly in agriculture.

The newspaper clarified that the proposal is not limited to employing workers in farms, but also includes subjecting them to vocational training programs in several fields, including agriculture, medicine, and other professions.

According to the report, the significant wage gap between Syria and Israel could serve as an incentive for workers. The newspaper noted that, in its estimates, a day’s wage in Israel could equal approximately three months’ wages in Syria, making Syrian labor an attractive option for filling labor shortages in Israeli fruit farms.

In a related development, the newspaper reported that the Israeli military is preparing to allow meetings between Druze family members in Syria and Israel, to be held at a designated site near the border on the Syrian side.

These developments come amid discussions of new arrangements concerning communication and movement in border areas, with anticipation surrounding the outcome of debates on the mechanisms and conditions for implementing these proposals.