Articles by November, 2023

Palo Alto Networks, a prominent player in the cybersecurity industry, has announced its acquisition of Dig Security, an Israeli company known for its cutting-edge technology in real-time detection and response to information leakage threats from various cloud platforms. While the official acquisition amount was not disclosed in the announcement, reliable sources suggest the deal is valued at approximately $315 million, with potential for additional tens of millions of dollars to be added

In response to the ongoing "Iron Swords" war, Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, have unveiled a comprehensive financial aid package aimed at supporting the nation's reserve officers and those affected by the conflict. This financial relief package, contingent upon government approval, includes a range of benefits to ease the economic burdens resulting from the war

In the wake of a protracted military conflict, the Israeli high-tech industry faces unprecedented challenges in recruitment and employment. The situation is further complicated by a global economic crisis and local turmoil. Companies are forced to navigate this complex landscape, adjusting their approaches to maintain business operations while showing sensitivity to the ongoing crisis

Demonstrations of support for the families of the abductees held in the Gaza Strip took place across Israel on Saturday evening. This marked the third consecutive week of protests demanding the return of the abductees, with some protestors also calling for the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

As the fifth week of fighting continues in the region, Israel is facing a high level of uncertainty on the military front, while the home front shows signs of adjusting to a new normal. Despite the ongoing conflict, there has been a notable increase in credit card purchases in the past two weeks, although they remain approximately 20% lower than pre-war levels. Traffic on the roads has also resumed with a partial return to school

Palo Alto's research unit has brought to light an alarming increase in cyber attacks orchestrated by the Iranian hacker group known as "Agrius" against Israeli targets. These attacks have intensified since the onset of hostilities. The Agrius group, which has been operating since 2020, has been actively engaged in stealing sensitive information and causing damage by deleting data, ultimately affecting innocent Israeli citizens

In a significant and unexpected turn of events, Gali Baharev Miara, the legal advisor for the Israeli government and the chief prosecutor, has taken the unprecedented step of freezing all coalition funds yet to be transferred. This decision, announced on Tuesday evening, mandates that all these funds be redirected toward the country's war efforts.

National Insurance Institute has reported an alarming increase in unemployment benefit applications since the beginning of November, mirroring figures reminiscent of the COVID-19 crisis. A total of 84,618 applicants have sought assistance from the National Insurance Institute due to the ongoing hostilities. Of these, 61,500 individuals have been forced into involuntary unemployment, while 23,118 cited other reasons such as layoffs

In a remarkable performance during the third quarter of 2023, Teva Pharmaceuticals, under the leadership of CEO Richard Francis, reported impressive growth and exceeded revenue forecasts. The pharmaceutical giant showcased a 7% increase in revenues compared to the same period in 2022, reaching a total of $3.85 billion

Education Minister Yoav Kish has declared a complete return to routine in the education system for schools located in green areas with no significant restrictions from the Home Front Command. Minister Kish expressed confidence that, barring any deterioration in the situation, the education system will resume normal operations starting next Sunday in these green zones