Economy

With the new school year approaching, many parents are eligible for a grant of 1,204 shekels. Find out who qualifies for this National Insurance Institute benefit, when the funds will be deposited, and what steps you may need to take.

Gett, which dominates the local taxi market, is expanding its operations to include vehicles with up to 55 seats in collaboration with the Rideeazy platform. Bookings must be made at least 12 hours in advance, with prices determined upfront based on distance, duration, and the number of stops.

Global Retail, which operates Carrefour in Israel, has signed an agreement to acquire a 70% stake in the distributor Free Market at a valuation of 19 million shekels. The deal allows the retailer to enter the wholesale market for small businesses.

A new price comparison survey by the Retail Research Institute reveals price discrepancies of tens of shekels on a single shopping trip. The report highlights which retail chains are the most expensive and where consumers can save significantly.

Shoppers at the Osher Ad chain have discovered a popular karaoke kit at an exceptionally low price. The device, suitable for home events, includes both a speaker and a microphone.

Drivers whose cars were stolen and damaged in an accident discover that the claim is recorded in their insurance history, even though they were not driving the vehicle. The result: an increase of about 15% in the policy and even a risk that companies will refuse to insure them.

Starting September 1st, H&M's viral beauty collection will be available in six selected stores across Israel, with prices ranging from 19.90 to 149 shekels.

After conquering the local market with a massive share, the Italian sweets brand Loacker is launching a new product that will be sold in retail chains at an average price of 35 shekels.

MK Nissim Vaturi warned today, Monday, against water bottles produced in the Palestinian Authority. In an interview with Boaz Golan's open studio, he claimed the water could be poisoned and called on the Ministry of Health to intervene immediately and halt imports.

Health authorities in the United States are investigating a salmonella outbreak suspected to be linked to eggs marketed in several states. Following the investigation, the FDA announced a recall of eggs from several batches produced by one company and called on the public not to consume the products included in the recall notice.

Super-Pharm, the largest pharmacy chain in Israel, is cutting prices by dozens of percent on leading skincare and makeup brands, including the sought-after line by Noa Kirel, but the benefits will expire very soon.

Two leading culinary brands are collaborating for the first time and launching a limited edition of cup desserts that combine ice cream, yogurt, and fresh mango with the salty twist everyone knows.

Beyond monthly payments, National Insurance Institute beneficiaries may be eligible for a wide range of discounts on electricity, municipal taxes, public transport, water, and medical services. Here is a guide to the key benefits and how to claim them.

The Burger Station chain has completed the opening of 5 new branches in Tel Aviv, Kiryat Ono, Ashkelon, Netanya, and Rosh HaAyin, with an investment of 7.5 million shekels. The chain now operates 18 locations nationwide and has launched a new customer loyalty program.

The American beer brand Bud Light continues to face challenges following its 2023 controversy, losing its top market position. Parent company Anheuser-Busch is now shifting its marketing focus toward other brands, such as Michelob Ultra.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry has issued a recall for the BENATON BT-55900 spiral heater due to safety defects. Consumers are urged to stop using the device immediately, as it poses a risk of electric shock and burns.

Food prices have risen by 15% since the government was sworn in. The Minister of Finance has not dismantled any monopolies despite his promises. Benjamin Netanyahu's pledge of free education for children aged zero to three remains unfulfilled, and Israel ranks second only to Switzerland in The Economist's Big Mac index.

Shop owners in Azrieli Group malls were stunned to receive demands for tens of thousands of shekels in additional payments. The funds are intended to cover multi-million shekel budget holes in the group's management companies.

The "Rami Levy Shivuk Hashikma" chain is launching a series of unprecedented promotions on its online site, featuring significant discounts on staple products and same-day delivery.

Amid ongoing shortages of cottage and white cheese, Tnuva is expanding its plant-based milk alternatives with a new spelt drink. The product features a "clean label" strategy, containing only four ingredients.

Shoppers at Osher Ad branches were surprised to find dedicated Adidas sale areas featuring dozens of models at prices significantly lower than those on the brand's official website.

Since the opening of Big Glilot, it has posed a threat to the Seven Stars mall, which was the only one operating on Saturdays in the area. Seven Stars CEO: "Everyone is entitled to advertise whatever they want. We believe there is room for everyone."

A surprising check compared the "Rami Levy Shivuk HaShikma" branch in Pardes Hanna with the nearby "Rami Levy Stock" branch and found that a series of identical products are sold with price differences of tens of percent. In some cases, the gap reached up to 55%.

As part of a food reform aligning with European standards, a new obligation for risk management and self-control systems has come into effect for food manufacturers in Israel to prevent contamination and recalls.

Following their success in Tel Aviv, a renowned chef restaurant and a boutique gelateria are expanding outside the city for the first time, opening branches in a bustling Kiryat Ono complex in deals worth millions of shekels.

A customer requesting contract termination faced an unexplained rate hike and bureaucratic hurdles. Upon returning her equipment, she discovered that a series of technical failures had resulted in an Execution Office file being opened against her.

Temperatures are rising, air conditioners are running constantly, and electricity bills are hitting record highs. Here is your guide to the energy revolution: how to save, which plan suits you, and how to switch suppliers without a technician visit.

Burger King Israel announces a collaboration with PAW Patrol, offering collectible toys in children's meals starting at 33 shekels.

The "Rami Levy Shivuk HaShikma" retail chain is launching back-to-school furniture promotions: a set of four foldable chairs for 99.90 shekels and a foldable desk for 149.90 shekels.

The "Rami Levy Stock" chain is expanding with a massive 3,000-square-meter branch in the Ramle-Lod area, as management pledges to cut prices by half ahead of the late August opening.

Alongside its flagship hypermarkets, the Jumbo Greece chain, operated by the Fox Group, is launching a smaller store format. The first branch has opened in the Talpiot neighborhood of Jerusalem, offering a wide range of products with prices up to 9.90 NIS.

Ahead of the back-to-school season, Harel Wizel's fashion chain FOX is launching a promotion offering 6 school shirts for 99.90 NIS. The brand has also significantly expanded its collection to include trendy styles popular among teenagers.

Osher Ad is launching a major promotional campaign in two of its large branches, offering a variety of popular electrical appliances, furniture, and children's equipment at special summer prices.

In light of the heatwave hitting Israel and the need to cool down, Machsanei Hashmal is launching a series of unprecedented promotions on selected cooling products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, fans, and more.

The National Insurance Institute has published its updated payment dates for August. Due to the weekend, some benefits will be paid earlier, while the average payment amount has reached 5,280 shekels following indexation.

Israel has reached second place globally in The Economist's Big Mac Index, trailing only Switzerland. The 25% jump in dollar-denominated prices is driven by the strengthening of the shekel to 3 NIS per dollar.

Starting today, Israel joins 140 countries in requiring graphic health warnings covering 75% of tobacco packaging to deter smoking and raise awareness of its health risks.

Israel's largest pharmacy chain is launching a wave of price cuts and promotions on a variety of popular toiletries, hygiene, grooming, and cleaning products, offering uniform pricing alongside significant discounts on leading brands.

Ahead of the fuel price hike at midnight, the Yisrael Beiteinu chairman criticized the government, claiming it has chosen not to intervene in the rising costs. According to him, during his tenure as Minister of Finance, measures were taken to prevent such price increases.

Super Sapir, Netto Hisachon, Pharm Plus, convenience stores, and even Dubai perfumes – the Sapir Group, led by Oren and Avinoam Sapir, reveals a large-scale expansion plan with dozens of new branches across the country. At the same time, it aims for a sales turnover of 3.5 billion shekels and an IPO by 2028.