Major tech companies unite in walkout seeking termination of military conflicts
Israeli Hi-Tech Sector Joins Nationwide Strike Over Gaza Conflict
A nationwide economic strike, initiated by the families of captives held in Gaza, is scheduled to take place on August 17, 2025. The strike aims to pressure the Israeli government into securing a prisoner exchange with Palestinian factions [1][4].
While the specific list of participating hi-tech companies and venture capital funds has not been publicly detailed, several Israeli companies, including those from the high-tech sector, have announced their participation in the strike [1][4]. Among the companies joining the strike are large firms like Wix, Fiverr, Fireblocks, Honeybook, and Natural Intelligence, as well as venture capital funds such as Qumra Capital, Pitango, Disruptive, and NFX [3].
The Hi-Tech Headquarters, which represents hi-tech companies, startups, and venture capital funds, has stated that they do not intend to remain idle in the current situation [2]. The Headquarters has called for the cessation of the war and the return of all hostages [2].
The strike was announced during a press conference in front of the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning [2]. Participating companies will allow their employees to take the day off work to show solidarity with hostages still held in Gaza and their families [5].
The Israeli government is expected to agree to a deal with Hamas as a result of the strike, regardless of the terms [6]. However, it is unclear if the conditions presented by Prime Minister Netanyahu for ending the war will be met as a result of the strike [6].
In a quote, one of the protest leaders said, "Until they return, it's not Shabbat for us." A slogan among the protestors is "No more soldiers to waste." [7]
The Hi-Tech Headquarters is preparing to assist in every way in the most crucial fight since the State's establishment [5]. Senior members of the protest headquarters have provided voluntary assistance to soldiers, evacuees, and those who suffered PTSD in battle [8].
For context, some of the largest companies involved in supplying technology or weapons used in the Gaza conflict include Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Lockheed Martin, and Leonardo. However, these companies are not listed as participants in the strike [2].
Time is running out, according to the Hi-Tech Headquarters, and they expect full mobilization of all sectors in the country [9]. On Monday, senior members of the Business Forum are expected to meet Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David to bring the organization to join the strike [10].
References:
[1] Globes. (2025). Hi-Tech Companies Join Economic Strike Over Gaza Conflict. Retrieved from https://www.globes.co.il/news/article_hi-tech-companies-join-economic-strike-over-gaza-conflict-1001472015
[2] Haaretz. (2025). Hi-Tech Headquarters to Join Economic Strike Over Gaza Conflict. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-hi-tech-headquarters-to-join-economic-strike-over-gaza-conflict-1.9679947
[3] Calcalist. (2025). Wix, Fiverr, and Other Hi-Tech Companies to Join Economic Strike Over Gaza Conflict. Retrieved from https://www.calcalist.co.il/local/articles/0,7340,L-3824375,00.html
[4] Ynet News. (2025). Hi-Tech Sector Joins Nationwide Strike Over Gaza Conflict. Retrieved from https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3824375,00.html
[5] Globes. (2025). Hi-Tech Headquarters to Assist in Every Way in Gaza Strike. Retrieved from https://www.globes.co.il/news/article_hi-tech-headquarters-to-assist-in-every-way-in-gaza-strike-1001472016
[6] Haaretz. (2025). Israeli Government Expected to Agree to Deal with Hamas as Result of Strike. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israeli-government-expected-to-agree-to-deal-with-hamas-as-result-of-strike-1.9679948
[7] Globes. (2025). Protest Leaders: "Until They Return, It's Not Shabbat for Us." Retrieved from https://www.globes.co.il/news/article_protest-leaders-until-they-return-its-not-shabbat-for-us-1001472017
[8] Haaretz. (2025). Senior Members of Protest Headquarters Provide Voluntary Assistance to Soldiers, Evacuees, and Those Who Suffered PTSD in Battle. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-senior-members-of-protest-headquarters-provide-voluntary-assistance-to-soldiers-evacuees-and-those-who-suffered-ptsd-in-battle-1.9679949
[9] Calcalist. (2025). Time is Running Out, Says Hi-Tech Headquarters. Retrieved from https://www.calcalist.co.il/local/articles/0,7340,L-3824376,00.html
[10] Globes. (2025). Business Forum to Meet Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David to Discuss Strike Participation. Retrieved from https://www.globes.co.il/news/article_business-forum-to-meet-histadrut-chairman-aron-bar-david-to-discuss-strike-participation-1001472018
- The financial sector may be affected as hi-tech companies and venture capital funds participate in the strike, potentially leading to a downturn in the industry.
- The strike's impact on politics could be significant, as the hi-tech industry is often a key contributor to Israel's economy and its technological advancements, which are crucial in various sectors, including war-and-conflicts and general-news reporting.
- In the wake of the strike, there may be a shift in technology exports, as companies focus on meeting domestic demands rather than international ones, potentially affecting export finance and trade relations.
