Articles by December, 2023

Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea has ordered his team in Doha to return to Israel after talks with Qatari mediators hit an impasse. The negotiations aimed to renew the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of hostages. The breakdown reportedly occurred due to Hamas refusing to fulfill its commitment to release all held civilians who are still alive

In a joint announcement on Friday, the FBI, the U.S. Cyber and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Israel's National Cyber System revealed the identification of cyber activities linked to Iran, posing a significant threat to critical infrastructure, particularly water facilities

In response to heightened security concerns stemming from increased threats by Iran and Hamas, as well as a surge in anti-Semitic incidents worldwide, the National Security Headquarters has raised travel warnings for Israelis in 80 countries. Notably, Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia have been upgraded from level 1 to level 2, indicating an "occasional threat." South Africa, Eritrea, and select Asian countries now face a level 3 warning, signaling a "medium threat level" and advising against non-essential travel

In a significant development within the Israeli communications market, the Fortissimo investment fund is set to acquire a controlling stake in Cellcom, a leading telecommunications company, at an estimated value of NIS 2.6 billion. The strategic move involves Fortissimo purchasing a substantial 36% holding from DSKSH for approximately NIS 925 million

IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hagari reported significant progress in dismantling Hamas military capabilities, with a focus on the Khan Yunis Brigade. The IDF identified 138 abductees, one of whom is now labeled a kidnapper. Special documentation revealed senior Hamas officials eliminated during clashes, particularly in the Northern Gaza Brigade

In a recent report published by accounting and consulting firm PwC Israel, the state of the Israeli high-tech sector in 2023 reveals a significant downturn, with exits amounting to $7.5 billion—a stark 56% decrease compared to the previous year. This marks a substantial 91% decline from the record-breaking $82.5 billion in exits witnessed in 2021

Bank of Israel abruptly ceased its dollar sales in November after initiating a plan to sell $30 billion to fortify the shekel amidst the ongoing conflict. The bank had previously sold $8.2 billion in October, but the volume plummeted to a mere $300 million the following month

In a UN Security Council session called for by the United Arab Emirates, a resolution proposing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict faced a setback as the United States exercised its veto power. The resolution garnered support from 100 countries, with 13 out of 15 Security Council members voting in favor, the United Kingdom abstaining, and the U.S. casting a dissenting vote

In the aftermath of a Houthi attack on a vital sea crossing, sea freight prices from China surge by 12%, impacting Israel's economy. In recent developments, the Houthi rebels in Yemen pose a significant threat to Israel, not only through direct missile attacks but also by potentially closing a crucial shipping lane – the Bab al-Mandab strait. This strategic waterway facilitates the passage of 6.2 million barrels of oil per day and 10% of global trade

In a press conference on Sunday, Accountant General Yehli Rotenberg disclosed that Israel is on track to end 2023 with the highest budget deficit in recent history, standing at 4% of the GDP. The announcement coincided with the release of state budget data for November, indicating an accumulated deficit of 3.4% of GDP, totaling NIS 62.3 billion