Union calls to an end Israeli strike

The Israeli Histadrut union has called off a one-day national strike which had brought to a halt flights and other services in the country today, according to reports.

Ofer Eini, the head of the union, was quoted by Reuters as saying: "I hereby announce that the strike is over and all workers can go back to their jobs. The employees will be paid today or tomorrow."

Israel's finance ministry and the union spent the day trying to come to a deal and end the strike.

Reuters quoted a statement from finance minister Abraham Hirchson which read: "The government did everything so that this painful problem would be solved and not recur. As we promised, the workers will receive their wages and the economy will continue booming."

England play Israel in a European Championship Qualifier on Saturday and it now seems fans will be able to make it to the game.

Special dispensation had been made for the England team to land before the strike was called off.