Over 2,500 medical residents resigned from their positions on Thursday, protesting their 26-hour shifts – a standard that has been the focus of a labor dispute for nearly a decade.
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The government attempted to form a plan to meet the demands of the demonstrators, but it was rejected as the proposal would not be implemented quickly enough.
The strategy presented to the interns would only gradually shorten the shifts to 18 hours by 2026, and would be implemented in a limited number of hospitals.
Expansion would depend on whether the resources to spread the new program, including finances and a special committee, could be found.
"It will take a few years so that we do not fail in this path. Unfortunately, the interns still do not accept that. I understand there were greater expectations, and believe that we will sit down later and reach agreements," Health Minister Director-General Professor Nachman Ash explained.
On Friday, Dr. Ray Bitton said the health ministry did not attempt to engage in "real dialogue" with the protestors.
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"There is no layout, but a plan for 2022 and then vague promises for five years without a budget promise, so every year we will have to fight again. If we want real change we need a serious and orderly proposal."
Israel's lingering battle with COVID and rush to roll out a third booster vaccine to the public has left many health workers feeling overworked.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
