Astera Labs opens Israeli R&D center
US semiconductor manufacturer Astera Labs has opened an Israel R&D hub to tap into local talent and develop high-performance AI connectivity technologies. It has rented offices in Tel Aviv and Haifa and is planning to hire hundreds of employees by the end of 2027.
40-storey tower rises in Jerusalem
The 40-storey Marom Tower is the flagship office building for the new business center being constructed at the Jerusalem Gateway district at the Western entrance to Yerusahalayim. Eventually, 20 high-rise towers will house some 60,000 employees.
More El Al direct flights
El Al is launching nonstop services to Hanoi, Seoul and Manila from Tel Aviv, marking a major expansion of its service to Asia. The thrice-weekly flights to each city will bring to a record 60 the number of destinations serviced by El Al.
Highly valued
Israel’s NetVision (see previously) went public on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 2021. Then it was worth NIS 407 million. Today its value is NIS 21 billion. Its lightweight stabilized cameras are ideal for drones, e.g. for Israel’s Elbit, IAI, UVision Air, and Aeronautics. Its order backlog is $223 million.
More protection for NATO
Israel’s Elbit has been awarded new contracts worth $150 million, for its Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS). These will be integrated into CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) operated by European NATO member states. In one demonstration Iron Fist intercepted 12 120mm tank rounds.
India defense deal is worth $8.6 billion
The total value of the defense order by India that included Jan 2026’s 1,000 SPICE missiles (see previously) was $8.6 billion. Defense sales to India from 2020 to 2024 were worth $20.5 million, and the current trend is increasing.
$140 million for Israeli cyber and AI
Israel’s Hetz Ventures (see previously) has closed a $140 million fourth fund, in wartime, for investing in Israeli cybersecurity and AI infrastructure. Managing partner Judah Taub said, “Fund IV is not just a vote of confidence in Hetz, but in the Israeli ecosystem at large.”
$165 million for enterprise tech
Israel’s StageOne Ventures (see previously) has raised a new $165 million venture capital fund aimed at backing early-stage Israeli enterprise technology startups. It will focus on startups building AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, physical AI, agentic orchestration, vertical AI, etc.
$450 million to bolster tech sector
The Israel Innovation Authority has announced a planned government investment of approximately $450 million in Israeli venture capital funds through its government-backed Yozma Fund. It is expected to generate more than $2 billion in total fundraising.
Big deals for renewable energy companies
Israel’s Nofar Energy has bought a solar energy portfolio of nine projects in the US from a bankrupt company called Pine Gate for $285 million. Israel’s Doral Energy is expanding in the US. And in Israel, Enlight is to provide electricity and energy storage to Israel’s Mivne group.