Economy

Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich warned at a Tel Aviv conference that 2027-2028 will face deep fiscal challenges due to defense spending, calling for structural tax reforms rather than VAT hikes.

CBS data for June-August 2026 shows a rise in new apartment sales, led by Kiryat Gat, while the broader housing market remains in a deep slump with 86,000 unsold units.

Forbes' real-time billionaire ranking reveals that six of the ten richest people on Earth are Jewish, holding nearly 46% of total top-tier global wealth, largely driven by tech sector dominance.

The Via Nova consortium has petitioned the court against the Highway 6 northern extension tender, challenging Shapir's victory over a 683 million shekel fee gap.

Credit card data from the Phoenix Gamma index shows a drop in Israeli consumer spending during the October 7 anniversary, led by sharp declines in fashion and dining.

At Robinhood's Hood Summit in Houston, retail investors celebrating massive portfolio gains contrasted sharply with Wall Street professionals worried about surging bond yields and market risks.

Rents in Israel are rising as state-backed long-term rental housing tenders face severe delays, with only a fraction of thousands of planned units moving forward.

Israeli real estate investors are eyeing the U.S. industrial and logistics boom in the South, guided by a new ENR contractor ranking highlighting firms like Tennessee's H&M.

Elbit Systems Sweden announced plans to build Europe's first production and maintenance center for Laser Warning Systems by 2027, bolstering NATO defense capabilities.

Shmuel Donnerstein returns as chairman of Rav-Bariach, while Tal Kenani takes over as CEO of the door and building-products manufacturer early next year.

Motslawi and Africa Israel Urban Renewal have secured a massive 1.8 billion NIS urban renewal project in Holon, replacing 330 units with 1,000 new apartments.

A new study reveals massive price gaps of hundreds of shekels on winter coats between Israel, Europe, and the US, with brands like ZARA and Massimo Dutti costing significantly more locally.

The annual Israeli high-tech salary survey for 2026 reveals a median monthly salary of 40,000 shekels, widespread AI adoption, persistent gender wage gaps, and a 16% premium for working at foreign companies.

Microsoft reports a record-breaking $130 billion in new data center leases, pushing uncommenced lease commitments to $329.1 billion to fuel surging AI infrastructure demand.

Israel's 2023 expenditure survey reveals bottom decile households face monthly deficits averaging 4,260 NIS, while top decile earners save over half their 46,500 NIS net monthly income.

Asian markets traded mixed as investors awaited US inflation data, while China's producer prices surged by 5% in September amid rising fuel costs and oil above $106.

A new Tel Aviv University position paper warns that Israel's 3 trillion shekel pension market suffers from dangerous concentration and herd behavior, proposing to unbundle savings into banking custody, independent investment, and insurance.

Abu Family Residential has agreed to purchase 50 housing units in Azorim's Netanya project for 120 million shekels, highlighting a broader trend of REITs acquiring unsold inventory at a discount amid a residential slowdown.

The National Insurance Institute is issuing the annual heating grant for senior citizens in October 2026, set at 664 NIS per family. The automatic payment helps cover winter electricity and heating expenses for eligible retirees.

AutoDepot launched its largest concept store in Haifa with a 5 million shekel investment. The store combines automotive retail, workshop services, and a new drift racing team partnership.

Israeli bank interest spreads reveal wide gaps in loan pricing, with One Zero offering the lowest median rate at 6.09% and Mercantile Discount the highest at 11.186%.

Energean is advancing a $1.2 billion development of the offshore Katlan gas reservoir to strengthen Israel's energy supply, with first gas expected in 2027 amid rising local electricity demands.

A new TASE analysis of past election cycles reveals that Israeli stock markets typically price in political uncertainty ahead of the vote, with post-election returns showing rapid recovery despite parliamentary stalemates.

September's CPI is expected to drop by 0.2%–0.3%, yet annual inflation will likely rise to 1.8%. Consequently, market analysts project the Bank of Israel will hold interest rates steady at 3.25%.

A comprehensive legal guide explores how Israeli labor law addresses employee political posts, social media engagement, client pressure, and workplace boundaries ahead of elections.

Real estate investment platform Iintoo, founded by former Bank Hapoalim CEO Dov Kotler, faces severe distress, heavy leverage, and extensive portfolio delays following its takeover by Yoni Sade.

Carrefour Israel is ending its six-month participation in Economy Minister Nir Barkat's subsidized "Israel Basket" initiative, replacing it with a nationwide year-round discount campaign.

Bank of Israel data shows Israeli savers deposited 14 billion shekels in low-yield short-term accounts in September, largely ignoring higher-paying financial funds.

George Horesh and Discount Bank are attempting to revive their 4 billion shekel CAL acquisition deal by introducing a third-party investor to overcome competition authority objections.

Kimberly-Clark and other major baby brands in Israel have implemented a second wave of shrinkflation, reducing diaper counts per package by up to 16% while keeping prices steady.

Bank Leumi CEO Hanan Friedman's recent entry into platform X has sparked massive public engagement, combining direct customer feedback with viral humor and parodies.

Israel's electricity consumption is projected to surge 85% by 2040, reaching 150.7 billion kWh, driven by AI data centers and electric vehicles, according to a BDO forecast.

Israeli home upgraders facing strict tax deadlines are slashing apartment prices to avoid heavy penalties. With thousands failing to sell within statutory windows, many choose price cuts over steep purchase taxes.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange approaches its semi-annual index update, with Doral and El Al poised to enter the TA-35 index while Damri, Shufersal, and Kenon face potential exclusion.

Defense stocks on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, which soared during recent conflicts, have seen a significant reversal, dropping about 20% over the past three months as valuations face correction.

Two years after an investigation into waste management firm Veridis concluded, the prosecution has yet to decide on indictments, while the state weighs a settlement over withheld millions.

The Jerusalem District Court ruled that apartment buyers cannot offset construction defect damages or late delivery penalties from the purchase price if contracts prohibit it.

The Israel Land Authority faces leadership vacancies and a failed tender in Tzipor Midbar due to soaring development costs, while political battles stall the strategic E1 construction project in Ma'ale Adumim ahead of elections.

SVCollege collapses as rescue talks fail, leaving hundreds of students who paid thousands of shekels facing lost tuition and preparing for legal action amid impending insolvency.

Learn essential food safety rules regarding the danger zone, the two-hour rule, proper thawing and reheating methods, and safe storage times in the fridge to prevent food poisoning.