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Israeli Police Locate Missing Sisters Mally and Liel Yahalomi After Extensive Search

Israeli Police located missing sisters Mally and Liel Yahalomi after a coordinated international search led by Lahav 433 and intelligence units.

Investors Sue Selena Gomez Over Collapse of Mental Health Startup Wondermind

Israeli Government Conditions Ultra-Orthodox School Funding on Core Curriculum Compliance

Israel's Attorney General mandates that ultra-Orthodox political education networks must fully implement the official core curriculum to receive full government funding starting this school year, following a petition challenging their equal funding status.

Israeli National Transport Company Ordered to Pay Quarter Million Shekels to Injured Scooter Rider

Netivei Israel was ordered by Haifa Magistrate's Court to pay about 216,000 shekels to a scooter rider injured after hitting potholes on Road 70 in 2020, due to the company's failure to maintain the road safely. The court found the company negligent despite the rider's contributory fault and lack of insurance at the time.

Israel's Consumer Price Index Rises 0.3% in July with Annual Inflation at 1.5%, Housing Prices Stable

Israel's Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in July 2026, with annual inflation at 1.5%. Housing prices showed minor monthly gains but declined annually, with regional disparities across the country. Average apartment prices increased quarterly and yearly, especially in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Ben Gurion Airport Faces Severe Summer Congestion With 90 Flights in Three Hours

Ben Gurion Airport is facing severe congestion with about 90 flights in three hours, causing long waits for baggage and crowded facilities. The Israel Airports Authority cites European airspace restrictions and American refueling flights as causes, denying staff shortages despite union claims. Around 90,000 passengers are expected today amid operational challenges.

Toto Batshon Reinvents His Tel Aviv Fish Restaurant as Fast-Food Spot with Crispy Fish Sandwiches

Toto Batshon has reopened his Tel Aviv fish restaurant as a fast-food venue without table service due to labor shortages and rising costs. The new concept features popular crispy fish sandwiches and a streamlined operation, while his fish shop continues to run successfully. Batshon plans to evaluate the new model over six months.

Nofar Energy Acquires Highlight Solar Company for 200 Million Shekels

Nofar Energy has agreed to buy 92.5% of Highlight, a solar and energy storage company, from Gabi Buskila for 200 million shekels. Highlight owns rights to 30 renewable projects totaling 850 MW and 4.4 GWh storage capacity. The acquisition aims to boost Nofar's renewable energy portfolio and market position in Israel.

Bank of Israel Launches Financial Support Program for 4,500 IDF Soldiers Facing Economic Hardship

The Bank of Israel has launched a financial support program to assist 4,500 IDF soldiers facing economic challenges over three years, providing personalized financial guidance and tools to improve their economic stability. The initiative, backed by a 7.2 million shekel budget and implemented by two nonprofit organizations, aims to strengthen soldiers' financial resilience during and after their service.

Israeli Shekel Strengthens Ahead of Inflation Data Amid Global Market and Geopolitical Tensions

The Israeli shekel strengthened against major currencies ahead of Israel's July inflation data release, expected to show moderate price growth. Meanwhile, U.S. officials threatened unprecedented economic sanctions and a blockade against Iran, signaling heightened geopolitical tensions.

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Opens Following Wall Street's Record Highs

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange opens after Wall Street's record-breaking session, with Israeli indices mostly rising amid mixed sector performance. Inflation data for July is expected after today's close, while earnings reports continue to influence market movements.

French Low-Cost Airline Transavia Advances Return to Israel Flights to Late August

Transavia France is advancing its return to Israel by restarting flights to Tel Aviv from Paris on August 31, earlier than the original September 8 date. The airline will operate multiple weekly flights, reflecting a broader trend of foreign carriers resuming service to Israel amid improving conditions.

International Left-Handers Day Chosen to Challenge Superstitions and Celebrate Diversity

International Left-Handers Day is observed on August 13 to celebrate left-handed individuals and challenge historical superstitions linking left-handedness to bad luck and witchcraft. The day was established in 1992 and highlights the roughly 10% of the population who are left-handed, addressing cultural pressures and raising awareness of their unique needs.

Entrepreneur Urges Selling Vested Shares Immediately to Avoid Financial Losses

Technical Error Understates Savings Plan Profits by 5.6 Billion Shekels

A technical error in Israel's "Savings for Every Child" program report understated profits by 5.6 billion shekels, corrected to 8.85 billion shekels. The National Insurance Institute updated the data, showing a shift from bank accounts to provident funds for managing savings.

Rav Bariach Recovers with Second Consecutive Profitable Quarter in 2026

Rav Bariach, led by Shmuel Donerstein, recovered from heavy losses in 2024 to report two profitable quarters in 2026, driven by financial restructuring and increased construction demand, boosting its market value to 550 million shekels.

Israel Ministry of Defense Owes IAI Billions Amid Record Business Growth and Cash Flow Challenges

Israel Aerospace Industries faces a cash flow deficit due to the Ministry of Defense's 5 billion shekel debt, despite record sales and profits. The company reported a $35 billion order backlog and significant revenue from Israeli and international markets. Preparations for an IPO are underway to support future growth and national security.

OpenAI Chief Revenue Officer Departs, Former Wiz President to Succeed Her

OpenAI's Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser is leaving less than a year after joining, replaced by former Wiz president Dali Rajak. This follows another recent executive departure by Brad Lightcap, signaling notable leadership changes at the AI company.

El Al Cancels Planned Direct Flight to Hanoi Following Shin Bet Security Restrictions

El Al has canceled its planned direct flight to Hanoi, Vietnam, set for October 2026, after Israeli security agencies refused to approve the operation with Israeli crews and planes. The airline will offer affected passengers connecting flights via Bangkok at no extra charge.

Energean Reports 128 Million Shekel Loss After Halting Golan Wind Project

Energean posted a 128 million shekel net loss in Q2 2026 after halting its Golan Heights wind project due to local opposition, despite operational gains from new facilities and higher electricity prices. The company redirected turbines to other projects and continues expanding renewable capacity in Israel, the US, Poland, and Lithuania, aiming for 9 gigawatts by 2030.

Fans Sue Israeli Football Bodies for Refund After Derby Cancellation Due to Violence

Two Israeli football fans sued major football bodies for refunds after their derby match tickets, costing thousands of shekels, were invalidated due to fan violence and police cancellation at Bloomfield Stadium in October 2025.

NewMed Reports 53% Revenue Surge in Q2 Amid Iran Conflict and Leadership Change

NewMed's Q2 2026 revenues surged 53% to $293 million due to resumed Leviathan gas production and higher prices amid the Iran war. The company raised its annual revenue forecast and saw a leadership change with Yossi Abu replaced by Niv Sarna. NewMed also holds significant stakes in the Aphrodite gas field, recently valued at $2.1 billion.

Nvidia and Six Asset Managers Launch $500 Billion AI Chip Financing, Raising Pension Fund Risks

Nvidia and six major asset managers unveiled a $500 billion financing plan for AI chips, involving pension funds including Israeli ones, raising concerns about risks to public pension returns if revenues fall short. Market indicators show increased risk perception, while broader economic factors like U.S. inflation and bond yields also impact the outlook.

Israeli Environmental Ministry Reduces Carmel Corp's Fine to 1.8 Million Shekels Amid Ongoing Appeal

The Israeli Environmental Ministry reduced Carmel Corp's cooperative growers association fine from 4.2 million to 1.8 million shekels for alleged hazardous substances violations. The cooperative plans to appeal. Carmel Corp reported higher sales but a 39.9% net profit decline in Q1 due to competition and financing costs.

Ondas Boosts Annual Revenue Forecast Amid Rising Losses from Executive Compensation

Ondas, an American-Israeli defense firm, reported a 14-fold revenue increase in Q2 2024 but deepened losses due to high executive pay. The company raised its annual revenue forecast to $525-$550 million and expanded its order backlog to $613 million amid aggressive acquisitions of Israeli defense companies. Despite losses, Ondas holds $1.4 billion in cash and plans to reduce expenses in Q3 while continuing to grow its workforce.

Israeli Couple Living Abroad Discovers Fraudulent 1.2 Million Shekel Mortgage on Their Netanya Apartment

An Israeli couple living in Moscow discovered a forged 1.2 million shekel mortgage on their Netanya apartment, allegedly secured through stolen identities by a fraud network. They are suing Magen Afikim and banks involved, demanding cancellation and compensation. This case follows a similar lawsuit involving another Netanya property owner abroad, raising concerns about identity theft in Israeli real estate loans.

Architect Urges Israeli Leaders to Experience Public Transport and Urban Life Beyond Cars

Architect Orna Angel criticizes Israeli politicians for relying on cars, which limits their understanding of public transport and urban challenges. She urges leaders to experience daily life beyond vehicles to better address urban planning, social justice, and healing in Israel's public spaces.

Tax Implications of Polymarket Trading: Investment, Gambling, or Business Activity?

Polymarket, a prediction market platform, raises complex tax classification questions in Israel about whether its trading is gambling, investment, or business activity. The tax treatment affects reporting, tax rates, and loss offsetting. The classification depends on the economic nature of the activity, with implications for users who trade frequently or systematically versus those who trade sporadically.

Israel Struggles to Manage Its Feral Cat Population Despite Millions Spent on Sterilization

Israel spends millions annually on sterilizing feral cats but lacks data and coordination to reduce their population effectively. The feral cat population is estimated between 500,000 and 2 million, with no comprehensive census or clear responsibility. Experts call for a national, multi-year policy with clear roles, steady funding, and focused local actions to stabilize the population and reduce public and animal welfare burdens.

US Restricts Foreign Humanoid Robots, Opening Strategic Robotics Opportunity for Israel

The US FCC's July 28 decision to restrict foreign humanoid and quadruped robots from its market unless specially approved has heightened geopolitical tensions in robotics, particularly targeting Chinese firms. This regulatory shift creates a significant barrier for many companies but presents Israel with a strategic opportunity due to its advanced defense export experience and AI expertise. Experts urge Israel to act quickly to reduce regulatory obstacles and invest in robotics infrastructure to become a global leader in secure physical AI systems.

Israeli Cybersecurity Firm Cellebrite Appoints New CEO and Cuts 2026 Forecast, Shares Drop Over 20%

Israeli cybersecurity firm Cellebrite appointed Shiven Ramji as CEO, replacing Thomas Hogan, and lowered its 2026 revenue forecast due to slower sales cycles. Despite a 16% revenue increase in Q2, the company’s shares fell over 20% in pre-market trading following the announcement.

Employees of Major Company Declare Labor Dispute Over AI Replacement Fears

Workers at a major company have initiated a labor dispute fearing job losses from AI automation, as noted in a recent economic trivia quiz.

Pedro Almodóvar Explores Artistic Creation and Exploitation in New Film Bitter Christmas

Pedro Almodóvar’s new film "Bitter Christmas" reflects on the nature of artistic creation and exploitation, focusing on a screenwriter inspired by a Spanish song. Premiered at Cannes and now in Israel, the film serves as a personal and artistic reckoning for the 76-year-old director, exploring his relationships with collaborators and the ethical dilemmas of using real life as creative material.

Melisron Reports Operational Gains and Office Project Boosts Despite Cancelled Mall Acquisition

Melisron improved its second-quarter 2026 operational results, driven by shopping malls and office projects in Tel Aviv, despite canceling a major mall acquisition due to antitrust opposition. The company expects further growth from ongoing office developments and residential projects, while net profit declined due to lower revaluation gains.

Arbitrator Rules Asian Food Buyer Tiv Taam Must Pay 8% More for Mizrah U'Ma'arav

An arbitrator ruled that Israeli food company Tiv Taam must pay 131 million shekels for Mizrah U'Ma'arav, 8% more than the original agreement. The decision resolves a valuation dispute between the parties following a 2024 deal. Tiv Taam will pay the remaining amount after deducting prior payments, with no expected major impact on its business.

Haifa Airport Struggles with Passenger Surge Amid Infrastructure Shortages

Haifa Airport is facing infrastructure challenges amid a surge in passengers, with Air Haifa flying 58,000 travelers in July. Limited security and check-in facilities cause long waits, while insufficient parking leads to traffic disruptions. Authorities plan a new 900-space parking lot and public transport options to ease congestion.

Decart Positions Israel as Key Player in AI Models with $6 Billion Anthropic Deal

Israeli AI startup Decart is nearing a $6 billion acquisition by Anthropic, establishing Israel as a key player in AI model development. Decart's technology significantly boosts AI chip efficiency, reducing costs amid rising demand for AI inference. The deal precedes Anthropic's planned IPO and could attract further global AI investments to Israel.

Tel Aviv's Al Shachaf Restaurant Revives Classic Fish Diner Style with Mixed Results

Al Shachaf restaurant in Tel Aviv attempts to revive the classic Israeli fish diner experience with quality seafood but falls short on atmosphere and traditional hospitality, notably charging for extra bread. The menu features well-prepared fish dishes, but higher prices and a less authentic vibe mark a departure from the beloved fish eateries of the 1990s.

June Sees Highest Apartment Sales in Israel This Year Despite Builders’ Slowdown

Israel's apartment sales peaked in June 2026 with 8,810 units sold, mainly driven by secondhand sales, despite a slight decline in new apartment sales by contractors. Government-subsidized apartments made up a third of new sales. Regional disparities show growth in Tel Aviv and other cities but declines in Jerusalem and others. The unsold apartment inventory remains high and stable.

Isracard Gains 250,000 Play Card Customers Despite Marketing Costs Eroding Profits

Isracard reported 11% revenue growth and a net profit turnaround in Q2 2026, driven by acquiring the Play Card license from CAL. Despite a sharp drop in core profits due to heavy marketing costs, Isracard issued over 250,000 Play Cards and expects future profitability gains. The company’s credit portfolios and transaction volumes grew significantly, while it pursues cost savings and a potential banking license.