Economy

Majority of Israelis in Overdraft

53% of 'banked' Israelis are in overdraft at least one month a year on average, the Central Bureau of Statistics said.

Kahlon: Netanyahu, Lapid, and Bennett are to Blame

Kulanu Chairman Moshe Kahlon refuses to name who he'll recommend for prime minister, but criticizes Netanyahu for economic 'catastrophe.'

Israelis Borrowing Too Much, Says Concerned NPO

According to statistics compiled by the Pa'amonim organization, one third of Israelis took loans of some sort last year.

Israeli Tourists Helping to Boost Cyprus' Economy

The number of people visiting Cyprus rose 1.5 percent in 2014, thanks largely to tourists from Russia and Israel.

Economists: Layoffs to Follow Minimum Wage Increase

While social activists celebrate the increase in Israel's minimum wage, businesses worry about how to pay for the wage increase.

2014 Breaks Car Sale Records in Israel

Israelis have so far this year bought 229,294 vehicles, leaving previous records in the dust.

Yediot to Lay Off 150 Workers

After daily newspaper Ha'aretz announced earlier this week it would be laying off workers, it was the turn of Yediot Ahronot.

Cars Going Like Hotcakes, But Prices Likely to Rise Soon

According to import statistics, 23,829 cars were sold in Israel in October 2014, double the 11,634 sold in October a year earlier.

Government Discusses E-Z Mortgage Terms Law

The proposal that would lower the amount of money homebuyers will have to put down on home purchases.

Top 10% Make 8.5% More Than Bottom 10%, Numbers Show

Israel's poor are not getting ahead - but they are not falling behind, either, new numbers from the Central Bureau of Statistics show.

Students: Impose Rent Controls, or We'll Strike

There is no rent control in Israel – but there should be, a student group said, and if there isn't soon, students will go on strike.

New Jerusalem Project to Provide 50,000 Jobs

Jerusalem's “front gate” is set to get a major upgrade in the coming years, with a one billion dollar investment.

S&P: Gaza War Had Only 'Minor' Effect on Israeli Economy

Ratings agency Standard & Poors says that Israel's economy has not been harmed by Operation Protective Edge.

Is Lapid Trying to Dismantle the Coalition?

The controversy regarding Israel's budget heats up: Lapid and Netanyahu's associates accuse the other of trying to break the coalition.

Through War and Peace, Israel's Economy Continues to Soar

Study shows that according to nearly every economic indicator, Israel's economy continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

US, Israel Issue Landmark Agreement for Mutual Investor Visas

American, Israeli visa process opened to allow US nationals to invest in Israel economy, and vice versa. Is this the end to a visa crisis?

Govt. Makes it Easier to Deal With Bills During Gaza Operation

Ministries introduce a series of steps that will ease the burden on families, reservists and others due to Operation Protective Edge.

Economics Ministry Ready to Help Southern Businesses

The Economics Ministry is offering special help to the many businesses in southern Israel facing financial losses from the war.

CBS: Better Salaries and More Jobs in 2014, So Far

There were more jobs in 2014 for Israelis to choose from, and the salaries were better, too, statistics show.

Negotiations Underway to Bring Old Navy to Israel

Highly popular US clothing brand to open 5-7 branches in Israel, following success of sister brand GAP.

Law Authorized to Limit Salaries of Top Execs

A new law will require publicly traded companies to limit the salaries of their top executives to no more than NIS 3.5 million.

CBS: Worker Demand Up Almost 7% in May

Despite misgivings among economists, the May jobs report shows that Israel's economy is still robust.

Report Shows Israeli Hedge Funds Punching Above Their Weight

Israeli hedge funds outperformed rivals in both 2012 and 2013; industry grew by one third during that period.

Report: Last Year Alone Crime Cost Israel 14.5 Billion Shekel

Crime may not pay, but it costs – and for Israel, the price of crime over the past decade has been NIS 177 billion ($51 billion).

New Home Sales Down 10% in March

New home sales were down 10% in March, as Israelis were holding off on buying homes in the wake of a plan to cut VAT payments.

Lapid Promises Govt. 'Will Pay its Bills on Time'

Finance Minister Yair Lapid is out to set an example - and ease the burden on small business in Israel.

2013 a Bumper Crop Year for Cars, Statistics Show

There are more cars than ever on Israel's roads, which are already quite crowded, the Central Bureau of Statistics said.

Average Salaries in Israel Up in 2013

Most Israelis made more in 2013 than in 2012 - with some; like those in the communications industry, making a lot more.

PA Report: Palestinians Prefer to Buy 'Blue and White'

According to a PA report, 70% of the PA's imports were from Israel, with imports worth $3.5 billion entering the Authority from Israel.

Housing Crisis Continues: Prices Up by Another 8%

Housing prices rose 8% in 2013. Price hike follows doubling in price over seven previous years.

Feiglin: Talks Worse for Economy Than Boycott

Likud MK unconcerned by boycott threat, says data proves Israel-PA talks – and US aid – hurt Israel more than sanctions.

Bennett: 'Boycott Threats Won't Move Us'

Bennett responds to Kerry's threats of international boycott, says 'only security will bring financial stability, not PA terror state.'

Lapid: If Peace Talks Fail, the Economy Will be Hurt

Finance Minister dismisses nationalists' warnings against a Palestinian state as "unfounded prophecies of doom."

Israel: The 'Innovation Nation'

Prime Minister Netanyahu details his economic vision at Davos this past Friday.

Israel Among Ten Most Powerful Nations In World

Recent study of National Power Index ranks Israel tenth; research is composite index of factors including military and economic capability.

Meretz MK: Fire Bennett for Comments on Palestinian State

MK Nitzan Horowitz slams Minister Naftali Bennett for saying that a Palestinian state would crush the Israeli economy.

Livni: Bennett Speaks for 'Settlers' - Not the Common Israeli

Livni attacks Bennett over assessment of two-state solution on Israeli economy, claims he prefers 'settlements' over Israel.

Palestinian State 'Would Crush the Israeli Economy'

Economics Minister Naftali Bennett says boycotts could harm Israel a little, but giving land away would destroy Israel's economy.

Melchior: Let's Not Fight Over Shemitta

The upcoming Shemitta year could be a great opportunity to spread Jewish education and values among Israelis, said Rabbi Michael Melchior

Hamas Govt. Passes 2014 Budget Amid Plunging GDP

$784 million budget approved; GDP growth plummets from 26% to 3% in 2 years, unemployment rate at 30%.

OECD Sec'y-Gen Praises Israeli Economy With Lapid

In joint press conference, Angel Gurria and Finance Min. Lapid discuss new OECD report on Israeli economy.

Report: In Spite of Strong Economy, Israeli Poverty Still High

High unemployment among Arab women, hareidi men contributes towards Israel ranking bottom out of 35 OECD states.

Rouhani: Deal Helps Iranian Economy

Iranian President presents next year's budget, demonstrates how interim deal helps Iranian economy.

Israeli Hi-Tech Startups On The Rise Again

Acquisitions and bids at unseen levels since 2000 dotcom bubble burst, hi-tech sector attracting growing international attention.

Lapid: No New Income Taxes Next Year

Income tax for Israelis will not rise next year, as had been planned, Finance Minister Yair Lapid said.

Top Economist Says Lapid Lied, Israel a ‘Paradise for Oligarchs’

Former Accountant General says centralization robs Israelis of purchasing power, puts country’s future at risk.

Bennett: Israel An 'Economic Light to the Nations'

If we can't agree on politics, we can agree that 'Israel is a light in the global economic storm,' said Economics Minister Naftali Bennett

Analysis: PA Stalls Talks for Economic Incentives

PA officials repeatedly juxtapose money woes, complaints about Israel building initiatives. Is it a ploy to gain time, money for intifada?

Next Bank of Israel Governor: Karnit Flug

Acting Bank of Israel governor is appointed to prestigious post.

Netanyahu's New Year Message: 'We've Defied the Laws of History'

PM Netanyahu wishes Jews all over the world a happy new year, says Israel "remains an oasis" in the Middle East.

Economy Expands Sharply as Israelis Spend

The Israeli economy continues to improve, figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics released Sunday said.

U.S. Economy is Improving, Says Expert

The United States economy is improving and is in better shape compared to other world countries, says Professor Avraham Ravid.

Average Salary Up, Unemployment Low

The average salary in Israel rose 1.6% in April, following a separate 1.8% increase recorded in January. Meanwhile, unemployment remains low

Netanyahu to Port Unions: The Monopoly is Over

Netanyahu, Lapid and Katz announce opening of two new ports. ‘2,000 men can’t shut down the country anymore.’

Unemployment Down Again in Israel

The Israeli economy continues to do well in the face of ongoing problems in the world economy, with unemployment down again

July Interest Rate Unchanged Amid Praises for Frenkel

Israel’s Bank of Israel kept the country’s prime interest rate unchanged at 1.25 percent for the month of July.

Israelis Protest Proposal to Export Natural Gas

Israelis protest a government proposal to export 40 percent of the country’s newly discovered natural gas reserves.

Israel Will Help Boost Colombian Economy: Peres

President Shimon Peres vows that Israel would help develop Colombia's economy, as he welcomed his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos.

Book Details History of Jews and Capitalism

"Jews were often excluded in the past by law from economic life making them look for new economic opportunities," says author of book.

Bennett’s ‘Red Phone’ to Help Threatened Industries

Minister unveils new procedure for responding quickly to economic crises.