The beauty giant visiting Israel and the house that is moving | Most viewed articles
Sephora starts selling in Israel, a historic house requiring half a million to relocate, a VAT payment revolution, market fluctuations for defense companies, and private kindergartens for high-tech employees — the most read articles of the week.
The Economic Top: ynet Economy brings you the most read articles of the week, those that sparked the most discussion, alongside our personal recommendation — an article that flew under the radar and deserves special attention.
Sephora Arrives in Israel
For the first time, Sephora Collection stores are opening in Israel. Starting August 19, six stores and five corners will open, including locations in the Azrieli, Malcha, and Ayalon malls. The franchisee bringing the brand is the Glam 42 chain. Note: the initial phase features Sephora's house brand products only. This move is a pilot project: if successful, the LVMH conglomerate will allow the introduction of all its brands to Israel, with the goal of establishing a full chain within two years.
The VAT Payment Revolution
The Tax Authority is promoting a reform that will fundamentally change VAT collection: instead of central payments on the 15th of each month, the tax will be transferred at the moment of actual payment receipt. For example, for a 10,000-shekel refrigerator, the 18% VAT (1,800 shekels) will be transferred immediately. Planned for January 2027, this reform relies on real-time automatic invoice transmission. Meanwhile, estimates suggest the next government may raise VAT to 19% to address the deficit and security costs.
Historic House for One Dollar
General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is selling a historic house in Bath, Maine, for one dollar. The condition: the buyer must relocate it to a legal site by November 2027, or it will be demolished. Moving costs, including permits and structural preparation, could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Defense Sector: Profits and Delays
Two Israeli defense firms are in the spotlight. Elbit recorded a net profit of 173 million dollars in Q2 2026 (a 38% jump), yet its stock fell 9.4% as investors realized profits. Simultaneously, concerns have emerged regarding Rafael's "Or Eitan" system: six months after delivery, the only unit provided to the IDF remains non-operational, despite previous assurances.
Kindergartens for High-Tech
HiTechZone, a consumer club serving over 400,000 high-tech employees, is partnering with the "Pashut Gan" chain to open 20 kindergartens for children aged 0-3 in major high-tech hubs. The first two will open in October in Herzliya Pituach and Ramat HaHayal. Tuition is approximately 6,000 shekels per month, with potential subsidies via 10bis and Cibus corporate budgets.
