Articles

Israel experienced a significant downturn in its economic landscape in 2023, as reported by leading financial services firm PwC. The total value of transactions, mergers, and acquisitions plummeted by an alarming 46%, reaching a meager $9.8 billion compared to the robust $18 billion recorded in 2022. These figures mark the lowest in the past decade, excluding 2014 when the total transactions amounted to $7.2 billion

The latest data from the Central Bureau of Statistics underscores the severe challenges faced by the real estate sector, pointing to a historic low in new apartment sales. In October, amidst the outbreak of war, a mere 930 new apartments were sold, with only 89 benefiting from government housing programs and discounted rates per resident

In a promising development for Israel's aviation sector, the Lufthansa Group, a global aviation giant, has officially announced the resumption of flights to Israel starting January 8, 2024. This marks a significant step towards the recovery of international air travel in the region after disruptions caused by the recent conflict

In October, Israel's official unemployment rate stood at a seemingly low 3.0%, reflecting 133,000 unemployed individuals. However, the recent conflict has drastically altered the employment landscape, leading to a surge in job losses. Despite the reported decrease to 3.4% in the previous month, the true impact reveals a different story

In a significant move to bolster its budget for 2024, the Ministry of Finance in Israel is contemplating the cancellation of the longstanding VAT exemption on purchases from abroad. The 17% automatic discount on overseas acquisitions is set to expire soon, marking a potential shift in taxation policy. This decision is part of broader efforts to tighten financial belts and raise taxes, but it has sparked a heated debate among stakeholders

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released the names of three soldiers who lost their lives in battles in the northern Gaza Strip. Sergeant Lavi Gihassi, 19, from Hasmonaim, served in Battalion 931, Nahal Brigade. Lieutenant Yaakov Elian, 20, from Ramat Gan, and Lieutenant Omri Shortz, 21, from Shemod Deborah, both cadets in the 'Gefen' Battalion, officers' school, fell in separate clashes

In a heartbreaking account from Beit Hanun, 31-year-old Asil paints a grim picture of life in Gaza, describing it as an "open mass grave." Displaced to Rafah with her family since the beginning of the war, Asil expresses a sentiment shared by many Gazans - a daily reality where death feels like the only inevitable outcome, whether by bombing, disease, or hunger

In a recent communication to its customers, global shipping giant Maersk revealed that it is contemplating a return to sailing in the Red Sea. This potential policy shift follows the company's earlier decision to cease operations in the region due to Houthi attacks. The catalyst for Maersk's reconsideration is the establishment of an international force, announced last week, aimed at countering Houthi threats and ensuring maritime security

In a pivotal development ahead of the war cabinet's discussion on the Egyptian proposal for hostage negotiations, Israel expresses readiness for significant concessions while firmly rejecting the possibility of a ceasefire

In a targeted Israeli attack in the Damascus area, Razi Mousavi, a senior officer of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, was killed, according to an announcement by the Revolutionary Guards on Monday. Mousavi, one of the oldest commanders in Syria and closely associated with the late Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, was reportedly attacked in the Seida Zainab neighborhood