Globes

In the last two weeks, many Israelis have reported that their WhatsApp accounts were blocked without a clear reason, and the wave of blocks has resumed in recent hours. A 'Globes' investigation suggests the issue is isolated to Israel. The Israel Internet Association urges the public to back up data and utilize alternative messaging applications.

The hydrogen-powered transport sector in Israel is gaining momentum: The Ministry of Energy is launching a tender to subsidize hydrogen trucks. Colmobil has introduced the first intercity hydrogen-powered bus in Israel.

Beijing is changing the rules for China’s wealthy to increase control over how they invest outside the country and to strengthen tax oversight of overseas earnings.

The company developed a system for identifying and preventing fraud in the banking system using biometric and behavioral means. Only two years ago, BioCatch was sold to the Permira fund for $1.3 billion.

Globes presents a daily review of global media coverage regarding Israel. In this edition: The UAE restores ties with Iran, a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia could spark a regional arms race, and a German court ruling on comparing Israel to the Nazis.

Following the collapse of Leopold Aschenbrenner's Situational Awareness hedge fund, Wall Street is debating Citadel's potential role. Critics suspect that the firm's aggressive macro forecast triggered a panic that allowed it to acquire the fund's assets at a bargain.

In a world competing for attention, Rafael has become an inseparable part of the Israeli consciousness. Its success relies not on advertising, but on technological achievements and its contribution to national security.

Israeli banks are refusing to cooperate with their Palestinian counterparts. We explain what correspondent banking is and why this financial system is currently under threat.

After reports that the G-City deal is in danger, the income-producing real estate company's stock is falling sharply in Tel Aviv. It seems that investors are sending a clear message to Chaim Katzman, the founder and owner: We want the deal.

Phoenix's investment values PowerGen at 3.25 billion shekels and is expected to yield the Generation fund a profit of up to 320 million shekels. This move is a key step in financing the acquisition of Shikun & Binui Energy and strengthens PowerGen's position as a leading player in the Israeli energy market.

Beny Steinmetz and his family are waging a legal battle against the Netanya Real Estate Taxation Director's decision to impose a capital gains tax of over 4 million shekels on the sale of an Arsuf villa. The main argument: the corporate tax assessment stems from a misinterpretation.

Reports indicate that pharmaceutical giants AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) are in talks regarding a potential merger. If successful, the deal could create a combined entity with a market capitalization of nearly $400 billion, marking one of the largest transactions in industry history.

A power struggle is unfolding at Novolog between controlling shareholder Ehud Pozis and businessman Eli Dahan. Dahan has proposed a 100 million shekel investment in exchange for a 21% stake in the company.

While competitors like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto are enjoying a stock rally, Check Point continues to lag with a negative return of 31.5% year-to-date. Investors are looking for the changes led by CEO Nadav Zafrir to translate into growth in the coming quarters.

The Israel Tax Authority's voluntary disclosure procedure, offering criminal immunity for reporting undeclared assets, ends in late August. With only 877 million shekels declared so far, the response has fallen short of official expectations.

A new Amnesty International report reveals that between October 2023 and November 2025, at least 2,596 shipments of weapons, ammunition, and components were transferred from India to Israel.

The 4.45 billion shekel acquisition of Shikun & Binui Energy by PowerGen has triggered regulatory scrutiny over market concentration. As electricity demand surges, the industry faces pressure to restructure ownership.

Provident and pension fund investors saw another negative month, with the exception of the S&P 500 track. While Tel Aviv outperformed Wall Street in July, calculation timing and the surging dollar shifted the results. Also: insights from a dramatic earnings season for tech giants.

Yoav Safar, an expert in insider trading analysis, explains why capital is leaving overheated sectors like AI and returning to the undervalued residential real estate sector, where insiders have begun active buying.

Chinese car exports have reached record levels, accounting for nearly half of the Israeli market. However, this rapid growth hides risks: many brands may disappear, leaving owners without spare parts and support.

The Ministry of Finance is planning reforms to pension contributions and investment accounts. While officially aimed at increasing net pay, experts warn that the true motive may be to boost state tax revenues.

At 25, Leopold Aschenbrenner founded the $45 billion Situational Awareness hedge fund, but after an AI stock slump, he was forced to sell a significant portion of his portfolio to Ken Griffin's Citadel.

Bus operator Tnufa is set to be sold to Metropoline amid driver strikes and poor service ratings. Experts argue the situation reflects systemic flaws in the tender mechanism that prioritize low costs over quality.

The massive influx of illegal migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has triggered a political crisis. Europe has demonstrated a firm stance, rejecting the policy of open borders, which has placed the Spanish government in a difficult position.

Tax Authority data reveals that during the war, the number of real estate investors in Israel grew at a much higher rate than single-apartment buyers. The most significant increase, 20%, was recorded among those holding nine or more apartments.

Anker's Liberty 5 Pro Max headphones attempt to fundamentally change the perception of the brand: not just as one that offers "good value for money," but as a player that sets the bar in the market. To justify this, several improvements are required.

The PUSH news project by Itzik Parzan and Moti Sharf's company Forever are parting ways. Globes has learned that Parzan is buying out Forever's 35% stake at a valuation of 10 million shekels. The transaction is based on the project's valuation at the time of the company's entry in late 2025, though current estimates suggest a higher value.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his country's readiness to deploy troops to southern Lebanon following the conclusion of the UNIFIL mandate.

In this week's Globes review, we analyze the performance of Israeli stocks on Wall Street. Cybersecurity weakness wiped $1.3 billion off Check Point's valuation, Radcom shares plunged 20% following a guidance cut, and a failed clinical trial sent Karyopharm to an all-time low.

Condor airline has completed its inaugural flight from Frankfurt to Tel Aviv. The German carrier is returning to Israel after 70 years, with a new daily route now in operation.

Prime Energy has signed a framework agreement with Delek Nasim to build server farms at gas stations. This strategy allows the company to bypass power grid connection bottlenecks and pursue an ambitious expansion plan despite recent regulatory restrictions.

Dr. Sefi Mendelovich, finishing his tenure as Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, summarizes the major reforms he led. In an interview, he discusses the “Enablers” team, the introduction of the physician associate profession, and the system's readiness for emergencies.

Criminal incidents at Japanica branches have coincided with a peak in investment interest in the Israeli restaurant sector. Experts are debating whether market fears are justified and if the growth potential remains for other chains preparing for IPOs.

Autonomous driving is approaching Israel thanks to a new international UN standard. Car importers are preparing for a shortage of vehicle-transport ships that could delay shipments until the end of the year. Also: BMW, Genesis, Toyota and KGM launch new models.

The court ruled that 15 years of living in a mother-in-law's apartment does not grant a daughter-in-law property rights. The Supreme Court confirmed that signing a contract in Hebrew is binding even for those who do not understand the language. An estate manager was ordered to pay compensation for releasing trust funds prematurely.

A 185 sqm duplex-penthouse in Jerusalem's "Mishkenot HaUma" project has been sold for 12.25 million shekels. This transaction marks the highest price ever recorded in the complex.

A wave of layoffs has hit the Israeli high-tech sector, affecting over 10,000 employees this year. Experts provide essential advice on how to manage stock options to avoid tax pitfalls and financial losses.

Against the backdrop of growing tensions, Israel's gas platforms are once again being targeted by Iranian threats. Experts warn that a broad escalation could force the state to halt production again.

The flight that made history and lasted 24 hours. London is on the way to bypassing airport traffic jams. Meanwhile, El Al says goodbye to Lior Suchard. Three events that happened this week in the aviation industry.

In a recent interview with The Economist, Elon Musk discussed his vision for a future where AI surpasses human intelligence and money loses its value. However, market volatility and past unfulfilled promises lead many to view his predictions with skepticism.