Top Israeli Tech Executives Debate 2026 Growth, FX Pressure and AI Job Cuts

Leading figures in Israel’s tech sector gathered at Claro restaurant in Tel Aviv for Globes’ TECH IL conference to discuss major trends in the industry, foreign-exchange challenges, large cyber exits, and the rise of defense tech. The closing panel focused on whether Israeli high tech can keep growing in 2026.

Among the remarks highlighted at the event, Liad Agmon said, “I do not hire juniors. Apprentice programmer for 35,000 shekels a month and Ten Bis.” Ami Lutwak, a co-founder of Wiz, said, “I still get up in the morning, take the train and try to change the world of security.”

At the height of the conference, Globes revealed its list of the “10 most promising startups,” selected by a record 100 venture capital funds. The winners went on stage to receive certificates, and interviews with them are scheduled to be published on Globes’ website on Thursday.

Guests were served BLENDIM wine by winemaker Shiri Rosenthal and chocolate made from the original recipe of chocolatier Dvir Karp, who was murdered in the October 7 attack. On the way out, attendees received succulents purchased from the Soka agricultural farm, which works with nonprofits that promote at-risk youth and integrate people with mental health challenges into the community.