Economy

Ministry of Finance Pension Cuts Threaten Israel's Global Index Ranking
Israel's top-tier global pension ranking is at risk as the Ministry of Finance considers reducing mandatory contributions to boost short-term net household income.

Israel Starts AML Licensing Countdown for Gemach Financial Institutions
Capital Market Supervisor Amit Gal issued an official notice beginning the licensing of Gemach institutions under the Anti-Money Laundering Law, starting a 24-month compliance countdown.

Pensioners' Federation Pushes for 25% Average Wage Old-Age Pension Hike
At a Pensioners' Federation conference in Tel Aviv, change-bloc parties pledged to raise old-age pensions to 25% of the average wage. Meanwhile, experts warn of an 810 billion NIS actuarial deficit threatening the National Insurance Institute's future stability.

Tax Authority Chief Suggests Eliminating Cash and 200 NIS Notes to Fight Black Economy
Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich warned that upcoming state budgets will require severe measures, suggesting the elimination of cash and the 200 NIS banknote to combat the black economy and generate tens of billions in revenues.

Navigating Financial Rights and Insurance During Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer presents significant financial challenges alongside health hurdles. Attorney Sheri Dvir outlines key steps for managing income loss, insurance claims, and state benefits.

Bank Trading vs. Investment Houses: The Hidden Costs of Foreign Securities
A Calcalist analysis reveals that trading and currency conversion costs at traditional banks are up to 71% higher than at investment houses, draining hundreds of shekels from retail investor accounts.

National Insurance Institute Sets October 2026 Payout Dates and Rehabilitation Funding
The National Insurance Institute announced updated October 2026 payment dates, returning to regular schedules, alongside a 28 million NIS investment in rehabilitation centers for victims of hostilities.

Are You Saving Enough? The Ultimate Israeli Retirement Guide for Every Age
An in-depth analysis of Israeli retirement savings explores target accumulation benchmarks by age, the power of compound interest, and the significant impact of management fees on future pensions.

Norway's Wealth Fund Weighs Re-Engaging Defense Giants Amid U.S. Pressure
Norway's sovereign wealth fund may resume investments in major Western defense firms like Lockheed Martin and Boeing following independent committee recommendations, easing ethical rules amid U.S. pressure over prior divestments.

Ministry of Finance Weighs Cuts to PHEV Tax Breaks as Auto Importers Pivot to Energy
The Israeli Ministry of Finance is reviewing tax benefits for plug-in hybrid vehicles amid surging corporate fleet sales, while major local auto importers expand into renewable energy projects.

Israeli Supreme Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Defiant Bankrupt Rafael Rubinț
The Israeli Supreme Court has upheld a prison sentence for bankrupt businessman Rafael Rubinț, who faces imprisonment over persistent failures to comply with court payment orders and financial disclosure requirements.

Altshuler Shaham Falls to Bottom of September Training Fund Rankings
Altshuler Shaham dropped to the bottom of the general track ranking in September after leading for three months. Clal and Migdal led the monthly general track with 0.2% yields.

Israel Securities Authority Warns Public Against Unregulated Foreign Trading Sites
The Israel Securities Authority warned the public against foreign investment websites using Hebrew and AI tools to impersonate local regulated firms, risking investor funds.
Freed Captive Eitan Horn Blasts Inadequate State Support for Survivors
Eitan Horn, a survivor who spent two years in Hamas captivity after being abducted on October 7, 2023, has criticized the Israeli government's financial and state support for returned hostages.

Essential Year-End 2026 Tax Strategies for Employees and Self-Employed
CPA Yoram Shifer outlines crucial year-end tax strategies for 2026, helping employees and self-employed individuals maximize deductions, pension contributions, and refunds before December 31.

National Insurance Institute Promotes Billy Bot and Distributes Heating Grants
The National Insurance Institute highlighted Billy the Bot for 24/7 benefit queries and distributed the 2026 annual heating grant of 664 NIS to eligible seniors.

National Insurance Institute Announces October 2026 Benefit Payment Schedules
The National Insurance Institute released the October 2026 payment dates, confirming a return to regular schedules alongside a 28 million ₪ investment in rehabilitation centers for terror victims.

Israel 2023 Expenditure Survey Highlights Deep Income and Wealth Disparities
Israel's 2023 expenditure survey reveals bottom decile households face monthly deficits averaging 4,260 NIS, while top decile earners save over half their 46,500 NIS net monthly income.

TAU Researcher Proposes Unbundling Israel's 3 Trillion Shekel Pension System
A new Tel Aviv University position paper warns that Israel's 3 trillion shekel pension market suffers from dangerous concentration and herd behavior, proposing to unbundle savings into banking custody, independent investment, and insurance.

National Insurance Begins Paying 2026 Annual Heating Grant to Seniors
The National Insurance Institute is issuing the annual heating grant for senior citizens in October 2026, set at 664 NIS per family. The automatic payment helps cover winter electricity and heating expenses for eligible retirees.

Israeli Bank Interest Spreads Reveal Wide Gaps in Loan and Deposit Rates
Israeli bank interest spreads reveal wide gaps in loan pricing, with One Zero offering the lowest median rate at 6.09% and Mercantile Discount the highest at 11.186%.

Israelis Chasing Low-Yield Deposits While Ignoring Higher Returns
Bank of Israel data shows Israeli savers deposited 14 billion shekels in low-yield short-term accounts in September, largely ignoring higher-paying financial funds.
Navigating Finances After IDF Discharge: What Every Soldier Needs to Know
IDF demobilization brings freedom but also hidden financial obligations. Discharged soldiers must actively manage National Insurance, pension savings, tax credits, and health fund memberships to avoid unexpected debts.
CBS 2024 Survey: Israeli Net Household Income Rises to 22,555 NIS Amid War
The Central Bureau of Statistics released the 2024 household expenditure survey, showing an average net monthly income of 22,555 NIS amid the Swords of Iron war. The Gini index dropped to 0.333, though vast socio-economic gaps persist between deciles.
Menora Mivtachim Reaches Class Action Settlement Over Heart Attack Claims
The Central District Court in Lod approved a class action settlement with Menora Mivtachim Insurance regarding rejected acute heart attack insurance claims, granting eligible policyholders 90% compensation.
Child Savings Plan Choices Can Add Tens of Thousands of Shekels
Explore how the Israeli 'Savings for Every Child' program works in 2026, comparing bank accounts and provident funds to maximize long-term financial returns.
Plus500 Co-Founder Alon Gonen Shares Blueprint for Reaching First Million Shekels
Entrepreneur Alon Gonen shared an Instagram roadmap showing how investing 1,000 shekels monthly from age 18 can yield one million shekels via compound interest.
Israel's 2025 Service Index Reveals Leaders and Laggards in Insurance and Pensions
The Capital Market Authority published the 2025 Service Index for insurance and pension firms. Direct Insurance, Agricultural Insurance, and Ayalon led various sectors, while Migdal and Harel lagged. Analysts note that delayed publication limits the index's immediate relevance.
Globes Publisher Alona Bar On Highlights Rising Financial Power of Women at Tel Aviv Summit
Globes publisher Alona Bar On announced at the "Next Gen Female Investors" conference in Tel Aviv that women's global wealth and financial confidence are surging toward 2030 projections.
Israel Treasury Launches Comprehensive Tax System Overhaul Ahead of 2027
Israel's Ministry of Finance has launched an internal committee to overhaul the national tax system ahead of the 2027 budget, targeting tax brackets, exemptions, and future revenue sources amid mounting fiscal pressures.
Unemployment Benefits in Israel: Rates, Eligibility Rules, and Payouts
National Insurance provides unemployment benefits up to 13,769 NIS per month based on age and previous salary. Learn the eligibility rules, payment tiers, and duration.
National Insurance Invests 28 Million Shekels in Rehabilitation Centers for Victims of Hostilities
The National Insurance Institute invested 28 million shekels to expand rehabilitation and wellness centers for victims of hostilities, offering free first-year access for eligible individuals.
Double Lotto Winner Claims 64 Million Shekel Jackpot in Israel
A lucky Israeli resident who won 64 million shekels in the Double Lotto kept the surprise from his wife until arriving at the Mifal HaPais headquarters, planning to increase his charitable donations.
78-Year-Old Working Two Jobs Receives Massive Debt Reduction in Israel
A 78-year-old Israeli woman working two jobs to pay off debts incurred by helping her addicted son had her liabilities slashed from 415,000 shekels to 72,000 shekels by a community enforcement registrar.
How to Audit Household Finances: Tax Refunds, Loans, and Mortgages
Indigo Finance analyzes household finances by examining past tax overpayments, loan structures, mortgages, and insurance policies to optimize cash flow and long-term costs.
Israel Treasury Considers U.S.-Style QSBS Tax Exemption for High-Tech Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Finance is considering a full capital gains tax exemption for high-tech entrepreneurs, mirroring the U.S. QSBS model to prevent brain drain and company flight abroad.
Bituach Leumi Releases October 2026 Payment and Reporting Schedules
The National Insurance Institute of Israel has published the payment schedules and reporting deadlines for October 2026, returning to regular dates after a holiday-heavy September.
Court Rules Ant Infestation in Car Computer is Covered Accident
A Rehovot court ruled that an ant infestation in a car's computer system qualifies as a covered accident under comprehensive insurance, awarding 30,000 shekels in compensation.
Meet the 25-Year-Old Investor Betting on Passive S&P 500 Strategies
Nina Yuzushin, a 25-year-old startup professional from Haifa, shares her journey of helping her family escape debt and adopting a passive S&P 500 investing strategy.
