Fans breathe sigh of relief as Israeli strike called off

England fans will be able to travel to Israel for the Euro 2008 Championship qualifier after yesterday's public service strike lasted eight hours.

It had been feared that the morning's walk-out by Israeli municipal workers, including those at airports and seaports, might last for days and that fans would be prevented from flying in. But the strike ended up being less harsh than expected, with most aircraft still taking off and landing and running more or less on schedule.

Talks continued throughout the day, with the government eventually agreeing to give the workers, who had not been paid for months, the wages they are due.

Most of England's fans are expected to travel today or tomorrow.