Israel to 'significantly increase' migrant workforce, says Netanyahu

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the cabinet had decided to "significantly increase" the migrants workers quota in Israel. 

The country has faced a major labour shortage since its war on Gaza began, partly due to Palestinian workers being banned and Israeli reservists being called up to join military operations on the Gaza and Lebanon fronts. 

Israel is set to now allow the entry of over 300,000 foreign workers, or 3.3 percent of the population. The prime minister said it would cover shortages across the economy, including in construction, agriculture and nursing.

"This is an important decision for businesses, for our economy and also for our security," said Netanyahu.