As the war in Gaza rages, Israel has decided to hire Indian workers to replace Palestinians in the construction sector. Advertisements to that effect appeared in Indian newspapers on Friday. Construction workers with a minimum three years of experience are eligible to apply. The total number of such posts as per the advertisement are 10,000. The average salary is 6,100 (Israeli Shekels) is advertised.

Sources in the Israeli diplomatic arena confirmed the news that Israel plans to hire Indian workers to replace the Palestinian workers who can no longer work in Israel post the horrific attacks of October 7 by Hamas. Many of these Palestinian workers have either been fired or their work permits have not been renewed. Earlier media reports suggested that Israel is looking to hire up to 90,000 Indian construction workers.

A news report to this effect was published by Voice of America (VOA) on November 1. The report pointed out that in response to the labour crisis emanating out of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Israel Builders’ Association, represented by its vice-president Haim Feiglin, had urged the Israeli government to consider hiring around 100,000 Indian workers as a replacement for the Palestinian workforce.

This latest move is also likely to rile critics who earlier said that the decision to send Indian workers to Israel could endanger their lives. It’s likely to have its own set of political and geopolitical implications too. While from a purely labour force analysis it makes total sense for India to send its workers abroad. It is, however, unlikely to go down well with many who feel India, this time around, is sympathetic to the Israelis.

It is also to be noted here that India has already signed an agreement with Israel that will allow Indian workers to get hired in the construction sector.

In May this year, during the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, the Framework Agreement on Facilitating Temporary Employment of Workers in Specific Labour Market Sectors in Israel was signed with India. This agreement will allow 42,000 Indians to work in Israel.

Some media reports also suggest that Israel has been looking to hire workers from other countries like China as well as those in Eastern Europe. However, the efforts have so far managed to bring in only about 4,000 foreign workers, according to data cited by the Jerusalem Post. Some 20,000 Indians are believed to already be working in Israel, mainly as caregivers to the elderly.

This latest development is yet another indication of how strong India-Israel ties have become under Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was among the first world leader to strongly condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7. Later, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement where India expressed its support to the Palestinian cause and for a two-state solution. But for India, this has been a delicate balancing act where it backs Israel’s right to defend itself, while ensuring aid and humanitarian relief reaches the people of Gaza.  – The writer is Executive Editor of Nrifocus.com