Israel Active

Israel’s Foresight (see previously) is to develop advanced 3D perception solutions for South Korea’s Bumhan Motors to build semi- and fully autonomous electric buses. They will be required to operate in various conditions, including harsh weather and poor lighting.

From Feb 7, Israeli airline Israir is to operate twice-weekly direct flights between Athens and Israel’s Ramon airport, 11 miles north of Eilat. It is expected to add additional routes to Europe, taking tourists straight to the Red Sea resort city without flying via Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport.

OurCrowd founder and CEO Jon Medved gave an upbeat assessment on how foreign markets are reacting to Israel’s ongoing war and the impending change of American leadership.  He expected Israel to outperform its global peers in cybersecurity and defense technology.

Israel’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.4% in Nov, more than analysts expected. Israel’s annual inflation rate for the 12 months to Nov fell to 3.4% from 3.5% in Oct. mostly due to decreases in the price of fresh fruit and vegetables. Meanwhile, Israel’s reserves of foreign currency rose by over $1 billion.

Israeli high-tech companies raised $9.58 billion in 2024 across 443 fundraising rounds. This marks a 38% increase in capital raised and a 13% increase in the number of rounds compared to 2023 when $6.9 billion was raised.

Six airlines are resuming their services to Tel Aviv: Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air, Romanian low-cost airline Biz, Polish airline Lot, Spanish carrier Air Europe, Air Baltic; and Bulgaria Air. Biz began its inaugural Israel route in August.

Israel Aerospace Industries has selected three US technology startups (Dalus, Lola Vision & Nefeli Air) for its second North American CATALYST program.

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Israel’s has acquired Germany’s Sentronics Metrology for approximately .

The cultured, non-GMO soy protein-based products of Israel’s Chunk Foods (see previously) are now available in independent grocers in Los Angeles and New York City. Chunk Foods won Plant Based Meat Product of the Year at the Fourth Annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards.