Israel is currently preparing for a major national strike, as workers refuse to see the crippling economic impact of the intifadah and the occupation paid for by demolishing their pensions. As the Times notes: Mr. Netanyahu is trying to substantially reduce the government's role in the economy, and has been cutting budgets and benefits and dismissing workers. But in a country founded on a socialist ethos, he has encountered considerable resistance, particularly from labor groups. Good to be reminded that there are still people ready to stand up for the good and noble parts of original vision of Labor Zionism. Meanwhile, this sounds strangely familiar... Weeks of negotiations have produced no breakthroughs, and the sides did not appear close to an agreement. Israel's infrastructure minister, Yosef Paritsky, said the government had offered "very generous proposals, but I think Amir Peretz chose to make a political move and launch the strike in order to glorify himself."