No. Child labor under 14 is illegal in Israel under the Youth Employment Law (1953) and Employment of Youth Regulations (2019), enforced by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Exceptions exist only for family-owned businesses or cultural/artistic work with permits, strictly monitored by the National Labor Inspection Unit.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Israel
- Prohibition of Employment: The Youth Employment Law explicitly bans hiring children under 14, with penalties up to ₪50,000 ($14,000) for violations, per the 2023 Labor Court Rulings.
- Permitted Exceptions: Limited to family agricultural or family business work, requiring prior approval from the Ministry of Labor’s Youth Employment Division. Cultural or artistic performances demand a special permit from the Ministry of Culture.
- Strict Enforcement: The National Labor Inspection Unit conducts unannounced audits, particularly in high-risk sectors like agriculture and domestic work, following the 2026 National Child Labor Prevention Plan.