Israel's doctors take industrial action

Israel's 15000 public sector doctors are taking industrial action in pursuit of a new pay deal. For nine weeks they have been operating sanctions ordered by the Israel Medical Association, closing outpatient and community clinics, diagnostic institutes, and operating theatres in rotation, except for emergency cases.

The doctors are demanding that the treasury sign a new, four year wage agreement to replace the one that expired in 1998. They have also put on the table …