Calcalist

The artificial intelligence revolution is transforming tax collection in Israel. The Israel Tax Authority is transitioning from sample audits to analyzing 100% of reports, significantly increasing the likelihood of detecting undeclared income.

Chinese car manufacturers BYD and Chery have secured spots in the global top ten, according to CPCA data. In the first half of 2026, China's vehicle exports surged by 65% as brands shift focus to international markets.

Nintendo reported a 150.5% surge in operating profit for the first quarter, despite a slowdown in hardware sales for the Switch 2 and original models. Strong performance was driven by game demand and US customs duty refunds.

A group of 28 Israeli passengers successfully obtained a court order in the Netherlands to seize equipment from a Blue Bird aircraft at Schiphol Airport. The move was a response to a flight cancellation two years ago.

The Golf Group concluded the second quarter of 2026 with a moderate sales increase, while net profit nearly tripled. The primary driver was a sharp reduction in financing expenses following the weakening of the US dollar.

Nofar Energy shares fell by 5.4% amid a dispute with the Securities Authority over financial covenants. The company will voluntarily redeem two bond series whose holders opposed the proposed changes to trust deeds.

Harel is seeking to expand its activity in the hedge fund sector through the acquisition of a management entity. The group is in talks to acquire shares in the management company of the Tulip hedge fund at a valuation of approximately 40 million shekels.

Former Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, appointed chairman of Mehadrin, is set to receive a compensation package worth up to 3.4 million shekels annually for an 80% position.

Naomi Bashkansky, a 23-year-old chess master and former OpenAI researcher, has joined the startup Conduit. The company is developing technology to convert human thoughts into text.

Ormat Technologies reported second-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations for both profit and revenue. Following these positive results, the company raised its revenue forecast for 2026.

Autonomous OpenAI AI agents collaborated for months through a secret internal forum. They exchanged information on vulnerabilities and coordinated hacks to gain unauthorized access to the open internet.

Udi Oster, CEO of Aitan, recalls how he realized the critical lack of drones in IDF units after October 7, 2023. This realization led him to establish a war room for equipment supply and develop a unique drone operating system.

Archaeological excavations at Qesem Cave near Rosh HaAyin reveal unique evidence of ancient life. Research suggests that a new human type developed here 400,000 years ago.

Artificial intelligence is poised to become a personal financial agent for everyone, bridging the gap between private investors and the sophisticated financial tools previously reserved for the wealthy.

American journalist Steve Coll analyzes Saddam Hussein's meeting transcripts in his book "Achilles Trap," arguing that the lack of direct dialogue with enemies leads to dangerous miscalculations.

27 years after selling his holdings, Haifa businessman Gad Zeevi is negotiating the acquisition of the Gadot group, a partner in the Port of Haifa, at a valuation of about $550 million.

Avi Eyal, co-founder of Entrée Capital, addressed the recent layoffs at Monday and the compensation request for its CEOs. He emphasized that these steps are essential for the company's survival in the AI era.

The inter-ministerial committee led by Yossi Dayan has decided against changing Chevron's status in Israel's gas market. The move aims to maintain regulatory certainty and avoid forcing the energy giant to divest from its key assets.

The investment fund Manor Evergreen is acquiring 30% of the shares of Argil Group, which operates in the infrastructure and construction sector. Argil's valuation in the deal stands at 300 million shekels.

The government company TAA, the largest shareholder in the Dorad power plant, is challenging the Electricity Authority's decision to block the expansion of the facility by 670 megawatts.

TurboGen has been fined 550,000 NIS following an administrative enforcement agreement with the Israel Securities Authority. The penalty stems from misleading information regarding the company's order backlog reported in a June 2025 presentation.

Jeff Dean, a key architect of Google's AI strategy, is leaving the company to launch Discovery Loop. The new startup aims to accelerate scientific discovery by automating complex research and engineering tasks.

Supreme Court Justice Alex Stein's decision to freeze questionable fund transfers to ultra-Orthodox and settlers highlights the balance between governance and the abuse of state resources during elections.

Taboola reported its second-quarter 2026 results, showing improved profitability despite missing revenue forecasts. The company lowered its annual revenue outlook, causing shares to fall by 26%.

The Ministry of Communications is promoting updated coverage and service quality obligations to eliminate reception gaps along roads and railway tracks. The new rules will require operators to ensure continuous signal connectivity.

Aura is launching a marketing campaign with the 'Hever' club, offering discounts and 15:85 financing terms on 800 housing units across five projects to boost sales after a slow first half of 2026.

The Competition Authority has approved the sale of Hot Mobile. The deal now awaits final approval from the Ministry of Communications, which is currently reviewing the merger.

Tibi's at the Vered HaGalil holiday village is a Galilean institution where chef Haim Tibi masters the art of meat. Despite the scorching 40-degree heat outside, the restaurant offers a cool, elegant retreat and some of the best steaks in the country.

In the second quarter of 2026, Delta Galil received a $33 million customs refund from US authorities. This event, combined with sales growth, led to record gross profitability for the company.

Twelve investors have filed a lawsuit against Daniela and Nadav Nevo, owners of the tourism venture Danuki Investments. The plaintiffs allege fraud and illegal capital raising without a prospectus.

Electra, through its subsidiary Electra Afikim, has acquired a 51% controlling stake in the transport company Metaylei Lahav. The deal values Metaylei Lahav at approximately 100 million shekels.

René Redzepi, who resigned from Noma five months ago following misconduct allegations, returns as creative director. The Copenhagen restaurant has reopened under new head chef Pablo Soto.

ICL reported strong Q2 results, with operating profit rising 47% to $266 million and net profit jumping 47% to $137 million. The growth was driven by higher potash prices and increased sales volumes.

Cimed has sold 23 summer camps in the US for $368 million, exceeding their book value by $24 million. The proceeds are expected to assist in repaying debts to institutional investors.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, praised by U.S. President Donald Trump, is attempting to pivot Iraq away from Iranian influence. The focus is on major energy deals and combating systemic corruption.

OpenAI and Anthropic models escaped closed testing environments and attacked real internet targets. The incidents were linked to configuration errors within the testing system of the Israeli startup Irregular.

SpaceX's first quarterly report shows impressive growth, with revenue jumping 91.9% to $7.81 billion and net losses narrowing by 46.3%. The results highlight the dominance of Starlink and the rapid scaling of AI infrastructure investments.

G. Willi-Food International has announced the delisting of its shares from NASDAQ and the cessation of SEC reporting obligations. Trading will be consolidated exclusively on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

Construction giant Shikun & Binui is acquiring control of the elevator company Naaman. The deal, valued at several tens of millions of shekels, will allow the company to reduce its reliance on external suppliers.

El Al airline reported its second-quarter results, showing a 27% revenue increase to $986 million and a doubled net profit of $132 million amid record demand.