Newsroom
Zman Yisrael
Digital newspaper covering Israel and the Jewish world, published in Jerusalem. We translate its reports into English and compare them with 43 other newsrooms.
Group in the coverage barCentrist pressIts own lean is rated Center.
FundingAdvertising and reader support
Language and baseHebrew · JerusalemFounded 2012
The last 30 days
293reports translated
89%first to report
843 mintypical time behind the first report
100%carry a named author
10%opinion and analysis
Why not a score? These are rates we can recompute. A single number would hide whether a newsroom is slow, unnamed, or mostly reprints. How we measure
How Zman Yisrael writes
Zman Yisrael's tone this month is charged, more charged than the rest of the centrist press. On Netanyahu, Hamas and the IDF its wording is in step with the other newsrooms.
From 293 reports this month, judged without the newsroom's name. How this is measuredOnly Zman Yisrael had it
Incoming Israeli Government Faces Hefty Financial LegacyEconomy · 11h agoFrom Extremism's Fringe to the Center of Power: Israel's Democratic Boundaries TestedPolitics · 12h agoIsraelis Abroad Return Home to Vote Amid Election UrgencyPolitics · 13h agoBig stories Zman Yisrael skipped
Man with Knife Detained Near Israeli Politician Yair Golan in Tel AvivCovered by 24 newsroomsGun Theft at Givat Shmuel School Sparks Parental PanicCovered by 23 newsroomsIsrael's Election Day: Voting Hours, Free Transport, and Weather ForecastCovered by 22 newsroomsLatest from Zman Yisrael
Economy · 11h agoIncoming Israeli Government Faces Hefty Financial LegacyIsrael's incoming government faces a severe economic inheritance, marked by increased national debt and deficits resulting from the ongoing war and past government spending. Significant financial burdens include war-related expenditures, higher interest payments on debt, and elevated defense budgets. The outgoing administration's allocation of coalition funds further complicates the fiscal situation, making it politically challenging for the new government to implement necessary cuts. Additionally, neglected public services and prior tax increases on the public create a difficult environment for the successor administration to balance fiscal stability with service improvements.Economy · 8d agoIsrael's Education System Faces Crisis Amid Declining PISA Scores and Haredi Sector FundingIsrael's education system has recorded its lowest-ever scores on the 2025 PISA international assessment, with a significant decline in core subjects. The report highlights concerns over the growing Haredi education sector, which receives substantial government funding despite not teaching core subjects, and accusations of data manipulation by the Ministry of Education. Experts warn of a future workforce lacking essential skills and a potential economic loss if current trends continue.Economy · 9d agoSupermarket's Orphan Donation Drive Criticized as ExploitativeIsraeli supermarket chain Shufersal's campaign asking customers for 10 shekel donations for orphans of the October 7th attacks has been criticized as exploitative. The author argues that existing government support makes the drive unnecessary and potentially humiliating for the orphans. The campaign is seen as a cynical PR move by the expensive supermarket chain, which offers no matching funds.Economy · 10d agoChinese Goods Dominate Baby Apparel Market, Author ObservesThe author's partner, Hani, was initially hesitant to buy baby clothes from China due to price concerns, but discovered that even expensive mall brands were made in China. This led to a discussion about the marketing origins of gendered clothing colors and the rising cost of designer baby wear. The author also reflects on China's economic growth and the future importance of learning the Chinese language.Economy · 13d agoIsrael's Economy Suffers Amid War, Rising Costs, and Government SpendingIsrael's economy has faced significant challenges during its longest war, marked by rising living costs, increased taxes, and a substantial budget deficit. The nation's credit rating was downgraded for the first time in history. While households experienced a decline in living standards and increased expenses, billions were allocated to coalition funds, particularly for Haredi institutions and West Bank settlements. Despite promises to lower prices, the cost of food has quadrupled, and efforts to tackle monopolies have proven ineffective.Economy · 14d agoIsraeli High-Tech Faces Exodus and Contraction Risk Amid Political UncertaintyThe Israeli high-tech sector is experiencing a continued trend of moving operations and employees abroad, with a significant portion of senior management already based in the U.S. This exodus, driven by a combination of economic factors and political uncertainty, threatens to impact state revenue and potentially lead to the sector's contraction. Political developments, including proposed judicial reforms and the ongoing burden of reserve duty on tech workers, are expected to exacerbate this trend. International and academic isolation further compound the risks, potentially hindering future growth and innovation.Economy · 19d agoIsrael's Cost of Living Rises Despite Government PromisesPrices in Israel have risen approximately 11% since late 2022, contradicting the government's promise to lower the cost of living. Key initiatives, including daycare subsidies and transportation reforms, have faced criticism for limited effectiveness and unequal distribution. Despite government claims that the war is the primary cause of rising prices, economic data shows minimal growth in GDP per capita during the period. The government has also increased indirect taxes, impacting average families, while offering tax breaks primarily to higher earners.Economy · 20d agoWar's Economic Toll on Arab Employment and Israeli Economy DetailedThe ongoing war has severely impacted employment and income for hundreds of thousands of Arab citizens, leading to billions in lost earnings and a significant blow to the Israeli economy. Unemployment surged in October 2023, and a substantial percentage of Arab workers report reduced hours, a trend worsening over time. This economic decline risks undoing years of progress in Arab community integration into the workforce, which was a key driver of national growth. Experts urge increased investment in employment programs to counter this regression and harness the economic potential of the Arab population.Economy · 22d agoIsrael's High GDP Masks Low Purchasing Power and High InequalityIsrael's high GDP per capita masks a lower standard of living due to poor purchasing power and significant economic inequality, with the majority of the population earning below the average wage. This is attributed to foreign currency influx from specific sectors not benefiting the wider economy and Bank of Israel policies.Economy · 28d agoIsraeli Housing Market Faces Slump Amidst Soaring Prices and Stagnant SavingsThe Israeli housing market is experiencing a severe downturn, marked by record-low transactions and a high number of canceled deals. Soaring property prices have significantly widened the gap between the required down payment and average household savings, preventing many potential buyers from entering the market.Economy · 28d agoIsraeli Homeownership Now Requires Nearly 14 Years of SalaryThe time required for an average Israeli to afford a home has increased from 12 years in 2015 to nearly 14 years by 2026, as home prices have outpaced salary growth. This widening gap makes homeownership increasingly difficult, especially for median earners and those in expensive cities like Tel Aviv.Economy · 32d agoUncertainty Fuels Price Hikes in Israel, Consumers Urged to ActUncertainty in Israel is being used by businesses to justify price hikes and shrink product sizes, while the public passively accepts these changes. The author urges both the government to implement stricter oversight and citizens to adopt active consumer behavior to combat this trend.Economy · 37d agoUS Interest Rate Hikes Pose Risk to Israeli Economy and Housing MarketThe US Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes are creating economic pressure on Israel, potentially weakening the shekel, increasing import costs, and impacting the housing market and state budget. Israel's central bank faces a dilemma between stimulating its economy with lower rates and managing currency and inflation risks.Economy · 40d agoEconomist Ranking Misinterpreted as Economic StrengthAn Economist ranking placing Israel third globally for 2025 measures annual performance changes, not economic strength, and was largely driven by stock market gains. The article argues this ranking has been misrepresented, as Israel's actual living standards and structural economic factors do not support claims of being the world's third strongest economy.Economy · 42d agoIsrael's Credit Rating Downgraded by All Three Agencies in Historic YearFor the first time, all three major credit rating agencies, Moody's, S&P, and Fitch, downgraded Israel's sovereign credit rating in 2024 due to macroeconomic weaknesses, increased geopolitical risk, and institutional concerns. The downgrades have historically impacted Israel's borrowing costs and highlight underlying economic vulnerabilities beyond the ongoing conflict.Economy · 43d agoIsrael's Privatization Efforts Failed to Boost Competition, Critics ArgueAn analysis argues that Israel's privatization efforts and the 2013 Concentration Law have failed to create a competitive market, citing examples like Bezeq and El Al which remained monopolies and were fined for abuses. Prime Minister Netanyahu's claims of these actions boosting competition are disputed, as privatizations predated the law and living costs remain high.Economy · 45d ago · also in 1 newsroomIsrael's Electric Vehicle Adoption Plummets Amid Policy UncertaintyIsrael's electric vehicle market is in sharp decline due to rising taxes and policy uncertainty, reversing a previous trend of strong adoption. Experts warn that without government intervention, ambitious EV targets for 2030 will be missed, while the Finance Ministry prioritizes public transport over EV promotion.Economy · 47d agoIsrael's Housing Crisis: Planning Fails to Translate into Livable CitiesIsrael approves a high number of housing units annually but struggles to convert these plans into actual homes due to fragmented policy management. The country needs to integrate planning, infrastructure, transportation, and services to effectively address its housing crisis and create livable communities.Economy · 50d agoBank of Israel Warns Netanyahu's Defense Independence Plan Will Skyrocket National DebtIsrael's Bank of Israel and Ministry of Finance are warning that Prime Minister Netanyahu's "Defense Independence" plan, costing an estimated NIS 350 billion, will significantly increase national debt to unsustainable levels and could harm investor confidence. The plan's success is seen as dependent on continued U.S. aid, with its cessation posing severe fiscal risks.Economy · 54d ago · also in 1 newsroomIsrael's Government Debt Soars to $375 Billion Amid Wars and SpendingIsrael's government debt is projected to reach 1.4 trillion shekels by the end of 2025, a 35% increase driven by war expenses and other government spending. When factoring in future pension and national insurance liabilities, the total obligations approach 3 trillion shekels, raising concerns about future budget sustainability.Economy · 55d agoIsrael's Food Market Dominated by Three Firms, Despite Free Market RhetoricA state comptroller report found three companies dominate over 85% of 20 food categories in Israel, contributing to high prices noted by the OECD. Government policies, including frozen agricultural tariffs and the shelving of a dairy reform, have protected the domestic market, contradicting the Likud party's free-market rhetoric.Economy · 56d agoIsrael Faces Massive Budget Deficit Due to Defense Spending HikeIsrael is facing a significant budget deficit due to a 400 billion shekel defense spending increase approved by Prime Minister Netanyahu without a clear funding plan. The financial burden, including potential tax hikes and canceled exemptions, is expected to fall on the public after the elections, while critical infrastructure and social services remain underfunded.