Gett removed 'taxi' from its name long ago — now it's clear why
The taxi giant is storming the group transport market, a veteran diamond dealer explains the industry's collapse, the new job of Dadi Barnea, another unflattering cost-of-living ranking for Israel, and the dubious clause that allowed budget transfers during the Knesset recess — the most read articles of the week.
"Economic Top": Ynet Economy brings you the most read articles of the week, those that made the most headlines and sparked discussion, alongside our personal recommendation — one article that flew under the radar and deserves special attention.
526 shekels for a minibus from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport
Gett is expanding operations: from now on, it is possible to order vans, minivans, minibuses, and buses nationwide directly from the app at a pre-known price. The order is made at least 12 hours in advance in collaboration with the Rideeazy platform from Electra Afikim. For example, a 13-seat minibus from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport will cost 526 shekels, a 19-seat vehicle from Jerusalem — 764 shekels, and a 55-seat bus from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem — 1,675 shekels. During the launch, a 100-shekel coupon is provided, and prices are expected to be 10% lower than market rates. CEO Mark Oun stated that the platform will continue to expand with additional transport solutions.
The diamond crisis
"At the peak, a 30-year-old was turning over 10 million dollars, today he is a taxi driver or a greengrocer," says a veteran diamond dealer. About 50% of traders have left the industry. Factors for the collapse include the demand crisis in China, market flooding by Indian suppliers, and the adoption of lab-grown diamonds under the same terminology as natural ones. Furthermore, the 10% tariff imposed by Donald Trump on Israeli exports to the USA was the final nail for many. Industry arbitrator Ofir Naim-Doron calls this "the great identity theft," noting that lab-grown diamond prices have fallen by 80%-95% in five years.
Dadi Barnea's appointment at Ondas Defense
Former Mossad head Dadi Barnea was appointed global president and chairman of the American company Ondas Defense. The company, which previously focused on communications, has acquired several Israeli defense startups (attack drones, interception systems, robotics) in recent years. The likely reason for Barnea's appointment is his ability to open doors in military headquarters worldwide. The stock has risen by more than 300% since August 2025, and analysts rate it a "strong buy" with a target price of 18.61 dollars.
Israel in the "Big Mac Index"
The Big Mac Index by The Economist places Israel second in the world for food costs after Switzerland, with a Big Mac costing 7.67 dollars. The gap stems from high local food costs and the strengthening of the shekel. Research by Dr. Sarit Menachem-Carmi shows that the food basket in Israel is now 27% more expensive than in five comparable European countries. Reasons include kashrut, high VAT, bureaucratic barriers, and government policy.
Controversial budget transfers
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana activated a rare emergency clause to allow the Finance Committee to convene during the election recess without opposition consent. The committee is discussing transfers totaling 490 million shekels: 268 million to Torah institutions, 78 million to the Ministry of Settlements, and additional funds to the Ministry of Religious Services. The opposition claims this is "daylight robbery" and has petitioned the Supreme Court.
