Mobileye's Q4 2024 revenue beats forecast, but 2025 guidance disappoints investors.

Gasoline prices in Israel are set to increase on Saturday night due to the rise in the price of oil and a strengthening shekel.

Israeli car cybersecurity company GuardKnox has filed for court protection due to its debt and cash flow crisis. The company has ongoing liabilities of NIS 11 million and has been forced to lay off employees and cut salaries. Despite financial difficulties, GuardKnox has active transactions with Israeli security agencies and the US military.

Israel's Ministry of Defense announced that it had not approved the sale of cyberattack company Paragon Solutions, but it has been revealed that the deal had already been completed. The Ministry of Defense is currently examining the change of ownership. The deal includes a cash payment of $500 million and another $400 million subject to meeting targets.

The Israel Bar Association is under siege as legislation threatens its status and attempts are made to weaken it. Recent legislative processes have limited the IBA's budget and proposed replacing it with a Lawyers Council controlled by the ruling coalition. The IBA is expected to petition the High Court of Justice against the law limiting its budget and is preparing financially for the budget cut.

US data security company Tenable Holdings is acquiring Israeli cybersecurity company Vulcan Cyber for $180 million, marking Tenable's third acquisition in Israel in the past five years.

Israeli tour package group Kavei Hufsha plans to establish a new Israeli airline focusing on short-haul flights to destinations within four to five hours of Israel. The process of establishing the airline is complex and will take at least 18 months.

Mizrahi Tefahot regional financial advisor David Shelly warns on the US economy and recommends that Israeli investors bring funds back home to Israel.

Former Moderna CMO Dr. Tal Zaks is leading Israeli gene editing company Averna Therapeutics in developing groundbreaking drugs for rare genetic diseases.

New US regulations will require Israeli autotech companies to disclose their ties to China as a condition for participating in future supply contracts with Western vehicle manufacturers.

Israeli gaming company Moon Active is laying off between 50 and 100 employees as part of a streamlining process. The company, known for its successful game Coinmaster, has about 2,500 employees worldwide and generates an estimated annual revenue of $2 billion.

Foreign residents bought 1,900 homes in Israel in 2024, a 50% increase from the previous year. Jerusalem is the most popular location for these purchases, primarily driven by religious Jews. The surge in purchases contributed to a record amount of mortgages taken in December 2024.

Minister of Justice Yariv Levin refuses to cooperate with Yitzhak Amit, who was chosen as the permanent president of the Supreme Court. Levin claims the appointment process was flawed and illegal. The dispute has left many judicial vacancies unfilled.

Pearl Cohen is merging with VMM to strengthen its presence on the West Coast of the US and expand its intellectual property services. The merger will bring in experienced attorneys and paralegals, increasing the firm's total number of attorneys and patent agents to 250.

The Israeli Ministry of Education has not hired any teachers on personal contracts despite a program agreed upon with the Teachers Union in 2022. The shortage of teachers in key subjects continues to impact the education system.

Israel Aerospace Industries' Indian partner Bharat Dynamics has won a $340m contract with the Indian Navy, Elbit America has received a $139m order for night vision goggles for the US Army, and Plasan Sasa is collaborating with Hanwha Aerospace on protection kits for howitzers and ammunition resupply vehicles.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange saw a decline this week, with major indices falling. Bank Leumi led trading today, while Navitas, Sapiens, and Alony Hetz were notable advancers.

Hotel company Pies Siam completes its IPO on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, with plans to develop more hotels and sheltered housing schemes.

Energean signs $2 billion gas deal with Dalia Energy and secures $750 million loan from Bank Leumi.

The shekel strengthens against the dollar but weakens today. Bank of America forecasts further strengthening if ceasefire agreements hold and potential interest rate cuts by the Bank of Israel.

Lenovo has acquired Israeli enterprise storage startup Infinidat for over $500 million, marking a revival for the company.

Israeli AI mental healthcare company Eleos Health has raised $60 million in a Series C funding round and is launching a new clinical documentation improvement product called Eleos Compliance.

Bank Leumi EVP Eyal Ben-Haim predicts that the north will rebound in 2025 and become an attractive place for business and quality of life. The bank has been supporting businesses during the recovery process.

J.P. Morgan has been hired to promote the sale of Israel Credit Cards (ICC) - CAL, which is seeking a valuation of NIS 4 billion. Israeli companies, including Menora Mivtachim and El Al Israel Airlines, are expected to show interest in acquiring ICC-CAL.

Israel's Accountant General's Office is considering an overseas debt issue following improved risk premium and bond yields. Economic forecasters believe a rating upgrade may come soon.

Tel Aviv Municipality has unveiled plans for Carlebach Street, including four buildings facing the street and several 30-floor towers. Existing tenants have the option to extend their lease or join the 'Lot Development Operation'.

Israeli online trading platform eToro has filed for a Wall Street IPO in Q2 2025, seeking a $5 billion valuation. The IPO will be led by Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and UBS. eToro's revenue dropped to $630 million in 2023 from $1.2 billion in 2021.

Lenovo is acquiring Infinidat, an Israeli enterprise storage startup, to establish its Israel development center for data management.

Merav Bahat, CEO of Dazz, advises Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport not to sell to Google, stating that Wiz has the potential to reach a $100 billion valuation. The CEOs discuss the merger of their companies and their vision to make Wiz a leading cybersecurity company. The interview also touches on the role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and the potential for IPOs in the software and technology sector.

Nvidia is investing over $500 million in a new data center in Israel, which will house one of the country's largest server farms and support the expansion of its research and development activity.

Housing prices in Israel have gained momentum, with most of the increases recorded in the prices of new apartments. The Tel Aviv District saw the highest increase in housing prices, while Haifa and the North recorded the highest annual increases.

Nvidia is investing over $500 million to build a large data center in Israel, showcasing its deepening commitment to the country. The facility will house Blackwell processors with four times the computing power for training AI models compared to Nvidia's supercomputer, 'Israel-1.'

Israel and Hamas have reached a hostage-ceasefire agreement, with Hamas agreeing to Israel's demands regarding the Philadelphi corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border.

Israel's CPI fell in December, while housing prices continued to rise. Inflation for 2024 fell to 3.2%. Price falls were seen in fresh produce and entertainment, while clothing and health prices rose. Home prices increased by 0.6% on average.

Market sources in Israel are optimistic about broader regional moves, including the possibility of renewed talks with Saudi Arabia, which could transform the Middle East.

The Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee has approved the reopening of discussions on the plan to change the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee, but opposition MKs boycotted the meeting.

The Israel Tax Authority reports that the Sovereign Wealth Fund collected nearly NIS 1 billion in 2024, compared to about NIS 2 billion in 2023. The fund has accrued NIS 7.5 billion since it began operations two and a half years ago.

Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, believes that US military aid to Israel should end. He proposed flooding Gaza tunnels to neutralize Hamas but faced bureaucratic difficulties. Prince also suggested a humanitarian aid system for Gaza, but the US administration declined the offer. He argues that private security companies could distribute aid in Gaza. Prince is also the founder of Unplugged, an Israeli company that manufactures privacy-focused phones.

Israelis took a record NIS 13.8 billion in mortgages in December 2024, including a record high of NIS 3.2 billion in 'balloon loans' for new homes.

Foreign residents are buying apartments in Tel Aviv's Gat Rimon project at higher prices than along Paris's Champs-Elysees.

Shares in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange fell after buying back stake from hedge fund.

US blockchain giant Chainalysis is acquiring Israeli startup Alterya for $160 million. Alterya specializes in preventing APP fraud and serves major financial institutions. The acquisition allows Chainalysis to provide real-time proactive fraud protection and enhanced fraud detection.

Israel's fiscal deficit falls below 7% for the third consecutive month, ending 2024 at 6.9% of GDP.

El Al's stock price has risen 40% over the past month, despite concerns that it is already too expensive. The delay in the return of foreign airlines to Israel is benefiting El Al, particularly on the profitable US routes where it has a 90% market share. The airline is accumulating cash and considering business opportunities to expand its offerings.

A penthouse in a historical building in Tel Aviv has been sold for NIS 20 million. The buyer is a senior executive of a finance company.

Elbit Systems has won a $60 million contract to supply its Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems to a NATO European country.

Japan's Kaneka Corporation has acquired Israeli medical device company EndoStream Medical Ltd. (ESM), which is developing the Nautilus device for aneurysm treatment. Kaneka plans to collaborate with ESM to develop and manufacture new medical devices.

Element Labs, an Israeli AI-chip startup, is looking to rival chip giants like Broadcom and Marvell by offering an end-to-end hardware system. The company aims to reduce reliance on companies like Nvidia and Intel by developing its own chips and communication systems. Element Labs has taken a stealthy approach to hiring, relying on word of mouth and networking.

El Al increases flights to European cities after suspending Tel Aviv-Moscow flights due to a recent plane crash.

Israel's Ministry of Transport has failed to meet targets for increasing public transport lanes and reducing road accident fatalities, facing challenges from local authorities and inconsistent policies.

Innoviz Technologies has partnered with Nvidia to integrate its LiDAR technology with Nvidia's DRIVE AGX Orin platform for autonomous driving applications.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange reached new highs, with gains seen across various indices. The Bank of Israel made adjustments to the shekel-dollar and shekel-euro rates.

The Bank of Israel maintains interest rate and raises growth forecast while inflation remains stable.

2024 was a strong year for savings in Israel, with investors in pension, provident, and advanced training funds seeing strong returns despite the war and its impact on the economy. Savings invested in stocks also performed well, both in Israel and the US.

The Knesset Finance Committee has approved last-minute budget transfers for various government departments, including the National Insurance Institute and Ministry of Health.

The Knesset C'ttee has passed an amendment to the Aviation Services Law, making it easier for passengers to receive compensation for canceled flights.

Oracle is set to bid for the Israel Innovation Authority tender to build Israel's supercomputer, after Google and Amazon declined to participate.

Delek Group is set to gain control of Isracard after improving its bid and receiving positive comments from Isracard's board of directors.

Wizz Air and Aegean resume flights to Israel, offering affordable fares, while other airlines remain hesitant due to security concerns.

The final section of the M1 line north of the Metro mass transit project in Tel Aviv has been approved, completing the approval for all three lines of the entire Metro network. The project includes 150 kilometers of tunnels and 109 stations, and will be used by an estimated 450 million passengers per year.

Amazon and Google have not been chosen to operate the Israeli supercomputer. The Israel Innovation Authority has issued a call for proposals for other companies to build the government supercomputer after failing to persuade Amazon and Google to bid for the tender.

'Globes' lists the most expensive housing deals in Israel's ten biggest cities in 2024, with Jerusalem recording the biggest deals.

The Bank of Jerusalem has raised its bid to merge with Isracard, joining other bidders in the race to acquire the Israeli credit card company.

Danish media campaign seeks to torpedo Elbit deal, alleging risks and concerns over electronic disruption of GPS.

The Knesset Finance Committee has approved a new legislation that will enable the state to collect tax on trapped profits in personal service companies.

The main indices on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange fell today, with Kenon Holdings as the standout stock.

Kenon Holdings has sold its remaining stake in ZIM Integrated Shipping Services for $178 million, receiving a dividend of $47 million before the sale.

Israeli institutions are launching funds that will allow the public to invest in Bitcoin in shekels, following a regulatory change in the US.

Medical cannabis company InterCure has raised NIS 66 million, with an option to increase to NIS 107 million, for the rehabilitation of its facility in the Gaza Strip border area.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to pose a threat to Israel and disrupt international shipping, potentially indicating a growing independence from Iran.

Matrix has become one of Israel's biggest employers with 12,500 employees following recent mergers. The company has announced three acquisitions and is the biggest company in the IT services sector in Israel.

Ashot Ashkelon has won a NIS 146 million order from Israel's Ministry of Defense for transmissions manufacturing and supply.

Foreign airlines resume operations in Israel, offering cheaper connection flights to the US and east Asia compared to El Al.

A Bank of Israel study has found that the blockade of the Bab al Mandab strait by the Houthis has caused minimal damage to international trade and has hardly affected Israel. Shipping prices have risen, but the impact on the cost of living is relatively negligible. Trade has been diverted to alternative routes, minimizing the effects of the blockade.

Architects Rubinstein Ofer and Canadian architects Tye Farrow have been chosen to design the new hospital in Beersheva, Israel. The estimated cost of construction is NIS 3 billion, with an additional NIS 300 million for planning and NIS 1 billion for equipment.

Teva bucks TASE as NICE Systems and ICL decline.

Bezeq chairman Tomer Raved discussed the company's infrastructure investment during the war and Israel's role as a bridge between east and west at the Globes Business Conference.

Israel's technology industry reached a new peak in M&A deals this year, totaling $10.5 billion, with 78% of deals involving international buyers. The venture capital sector experienced significant change, with a decrease in the number of new funds but a rise in average capital raised per fund. The report also highlighted a rise in the number of new companies founded by experienced entrepreneurs and an increase in AI investments.

Cielo Blu shareholders have approved a takeover by Yitzhak Tshuva and David Zvida, who will hold a 47% stake in the company in exchange for a NIS 110 million injection.

The 2025 budget bill in Israel grants increased budgets to the Ministry of National Security and the Prime Minister's Office, along with other coalition ministries.

Governor of the Bank of Israel Amir Yaron stated that cutting interest rates now would be like putting out a fire with gasoline. He criticized the composition of the 2025 budget and emphasized the importance of reducing the gap in economic growth caused by the war.

Check Point CEO Gil Shwed warns of increasing cyberattacks worldwide that are more complex and damaging. He emphasizes the need for organizations to take responsibility for cybersecurity and discusses the trend of consolidation in the industry.

Minister of Finance and Bank of Israel Governor set up a team to enhance competition in the banking sector, aiming to bring about a fundamental change in the financial market and lower financing costs for households and small businesses.

Israeli startups raised over $700m in November, contributing to a total of $9bn raised in the first eleven months of 2024.

Investment banks and rating agencies revise forecasts for Israeli economy following ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. UBS and Goldman Sachs see shekel strengthening and credit rating improving, while Fitch and Moody's remain cautious due to ongoing risks.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange fell today, with Bank Leumi leading trading and El Al ending the week 20% down.

Uri Alon has been elected as the new chairperson of Bank Leumi, replacing Dr. Shmuel Ben-Zvi. Alon, a former vice president at Isracard, won the secret vote by a single vote in the second round.

Weakness in the banks depressed the main indices on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, with Bank Leumi leading the declines.

Researchers have developed GluFormer, an AI model that can predict future glucose levels and other health metrics based on past glucose monitoring data.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange had a mixed day, with some indices rising and others falling. Turnover was high in both equities and bonds.

The ongoing war in Israel has led to a surge in tech employees leaving the industry to work in defense companies, attracted by the opportunity to contribute to the country and work on meaningful projects.

Electra Consumer Products is starting to see profitability after converting supermarket branches to the Carrefour format, with Carrefour branches producing a profit of NIS 820,000 in the third quarter.

The Bank of Israel keeps the interest rate unchanged at 4.5% amidst the continuing war and aims to stabilize the markets and reduce uncertainty.

Tech-Air, a new airline being set up by the tech movement, plans to operate direct flights between Tel Aviv and New York. The company is in talks with airlines and aims to use Boeing 777 aircraft. Return fares will range from $1,350 to $5,400. The airline will operate temporarily while foreign airlines are not flying to Israel.

Citi, UBS, Morgan Stanley, and State Street have invested $20 million in Israeli fintech company Capitolis to support its capital marketplace and portfolio optimization businesses.

Hezbollah has stepped up aerial attacks due to wintry weather, giving them a tactical advantage. The bad weather affects interception systems and detection, giving the enemy an advantage. However, the weather has less effect on long-range missiles and rockets compared to UAVs.