Economy

The Israeli Ministry of Finance is reviewing tax benefits for plug-in hybrid vehicles amid surging corporate fleet sales, while major local auto importers expand into renewable energy projects.

A new study reveals that nearly half of Israel's urban renewal neighborhoods show under 10% implementation, highlighting a wide gap between planning and actual construction.

Israel's real estate market shows mixed trends with annual apartment prices down 1.8%, rising contractor sales, and political intervention stabilizing ILA leadership.

A leaked Volkswagen document reveals massive economic gaps between German and Chinese manufacturing, showing German hourly wages at €74 compared to €12 in Tianjin. The carmaker plans deep cuts and plant closures to survive.

Israeli cybersecurity firm Varonis is being acquired by American company Proofpoint for $6.3 billion in cash. Varonis shareholders will receive $49.75 per share, representing a 52% premium over pre-rumor trading prices.

Doral has entered the Tel Aviv 35 Index following rapid expansion, despite a 17.2% stock drop in six months. The renewable energy firm continues global projects, data center ventures, and expects revenues to jump at least 43% by 2027.

Israel's housing prices fell by 0.6% in July-August, bringing an annual decline of 1.8%, while rental prices climbed by 0.4% in September amid record inventory.

Keshet Teamim cuts professional ties with star pastry chef Dudu Otmezgin amid bitter legal disputes, while he retains his 30% stake in the brand.

Israir CEO Uri Sirkis remains optimistic despite a 20% stock drop over the past year, pointing to strategic growth engines, fleet expansion, and its lucrative Cyprus maintenance center.

El Al Israel Airlines will enter the Tel Aviv 35 Index for the first time after a stock surge driven by a security incident involving a foreign carrier. Despite soaring revenues and record profits, the airline faces regulatory pressure over high wartime ticket prices.

British low-cost airline easyJet is set to be acquired by investment firm Apollo for 5.7 billion pounds in a deal taking the carrier private.

IsrAir CEO Uri Sirkis says the airline's growth potential outpaces El Al. Despite fuel cost pressures, IsrAir targets 3 million passengers next year through fleet expansion, long-haul routes, and its Larnaca maintenance center.

Two Beersheba residents died and a third was seriously injured in a rare nitrogen trifluoride explosion at Intel's Kiryat Gat plant, prompting a full technical investigation.

A. Arbaah Katsavim Basarim Ltd. recalled its Jerusalem Kishke due to severe labeling flaws and incorrect expiration dates following a Health Ministry inspection.

Israel Ports Company plans to submit a strategic proposal for inland ports to secure Israel's role in the India-Middle East-Europe trade corridor amid Red Sea shipping threats.

Hadassah Medical Center inaugurated its first international facility in Limassol, Cyprus, and announced plans for a new hospital in Nicosia, marking a historic healthcare milestone for Israel.

The median salary in Israel's high-tech sector surged by about 30% over four years, reflecting strong demand for tech talent despite economic shifts.

South Korea's KOSPI index plunged 8.2% amid US inflation fears and a tech sell-off, triggering a circuit breaker. Concurrently, the president shared data showing a decline in suicides, urging citizens to seek help.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange closed lower on Thursday as OPKO Health surged 25.64% following a major asset sale to Labcorp. Investors await the September CPI data and November index updates.

Israel's Space fitness chain is phasing out its 99 NIS monthly membership, raising prices by 50% to 149 NIS as soaring operational costs mark the end of ultra-cheap gyms.

The European Banking Authority has classified Circle's USDC as a significant electronic money token under MiCA rules, making it the first EU stablecoin with this status. While granting regulatory legitimacy, the decision imposes strict reserve requirements.

The Israeli Supreme Court has upheld a prison sentence for bankrupt businessman Rafael Rubinț, who faces imprisonment over persistent failures to comply with court payment orders and financial disclosure requirements.

Opko Health is selling its BioReference labs division to LabCorp for $722 million in cash plus $150 million in earn-outs, shifting its focus entirely to drug development.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes predicts Ethereum could hit $100,000 to $200,000 amid potential AI market shocks, while recent chip stock drops spark massive crypto liquidations.

Azrieli Group's subsidiary Green Mountain secures a €1.4 billion financing package for a major 80-megawatt data center project in Norway, projected to generate €117 million in annual NOI.

Carasso Real Estate CEO Dan Paran discussed housing market trends, emigration impacts, and foreign labor at a Globes event, advocating for institutional renting to ease affordability.

Wall Street faces mounting geopolitical and economic risks as earnings season begins, with Meitav chief economist Alex Zbezinsky warning that investors are overly optimistic and valuations remain stretched.

A recent panel at the investment festival explored whether AI investments are fueling a market bubble, featuring insights from financial experts on tech valuations, energy bottlenecks, and retail investor risks.

A new Shoresh Institution report warns that declining productivity, budgetary misallocations, and an education crisis threaten Israel's socio-economic future ahead of the 2026 elections.

Ariel Sharon Park faces a leadership crisis as the Government Companies Authority rejected its acting CEO, sparking a dispute over governance frameworks and executive powers.

At the Israel IT Conference 2026 in Tel Aviv, Arkia CEO Oz Berlovitz discussed AI's limited impact on ticket prices, noting a 20% workforce reduction via automation amidst ongoing operational and international route challenges.

Wiz founders Assaf Rappaport and his partners are in advanced talks to acquire the McDonald's fast-food franchise in Israel, expanding their investments beyond tech into the restaurant sector.

The Ministry of Labor and the Israel Innovation Authority launched a 25 million shekel initiative to bridge the high-tech gender gap, addressing wage disparities, maternity leave challenges, and leadership underrepresentation.

Burger King Israel aims to expand from 19 to 100 branches under CEO Dana Tochner. Backed by Delek Israel, the chain targets gas stations and new neighborhoods to challenge McDonald's.

Israeli e-commerce orders dropped 12% in September due to the holiday season as consumers turned to travel and physical stores. International platforms like AliExpress and Shein saw declines, while local retailers like Shufersal and Terminal X experienced shifts.

Nofar Energy CEO Ofer Yanai highlights positive cash flow as the ultimate metric for corporate success, detailing the company's global expansion, AI-driven energy strategies, and ambitious fivefold revenue growth targets.

Amram Avraham reported selling 794 housing units and advancing 4,640 units under construction at a Tel Aviv investor conference, posting revenues of 774 million shekels.

Israel's real estate market remains sluggish with 7,532 apartments sold in August, a 1% year-on-year drop. Excluding government subsidies, free-market sales fell 5%, driven by a sharp decline in second-hand transactions and plunging developer cash flows.

Billionaire Haim Saban celebrates his 82nd birthday, reflecting on an extraordinary journey from Egyptian refugee and heavy debt to building a global media empire through Power Rangers, major media sales, and international investments.

Rotem Amfert workers will protest in Jerusalem on October 19, 2026, over planning delays threatening the plant's closure and endangering 1,000 direct jobs in the Negev.