In a groundbreaking move to align Israel's financial landscape with international norms, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) will transition to a Monday-to-Friday trading schedule. This historic shift, revealed during Smotrich's visit to the TASE on Monday, is poised to revolutionize Israel's capital markets and amplify its presence on the global financial stage.
A Strategic Realignment with Global Markets
Currently, TASE operates from Sunday to Thursday, a schedule that has long set it apart from major global exchanges. The change, scheduled to take effect at the start of 2026, will bring Israel's trading days into alignment with leading markets in the United States and Europe, paving the way for increased international investment.
“This is more than just a change in schedule; it’s a leap forward for Israel’s financial sector,” Smotrich declared. “Friday trading will end at 2:00 p.m. to ensure that we honor the sanctity of the Sabbath while addressing the needs of all market participants.”
According to the @Reuters .. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says he will approve a move to Monday-Friday trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE)
— AL Khammas (@ALkhammas2) December 30, 2024
- Change expected to take effect in 2026
- Friday trading will end at 2 p.m. local time to observe the Jewish Sabbath…
The transition is not merely about convenience but represents a calculated strategy to modernize Israel’s economy. Smotrich emphasized that this adjustment reflects Israel’s commitment to becoming a more attractive destination for global investors while bolstering the competitiveness of its domestic markets.
Benefits for Investors and Corporations Alike
Itai Ben-Zeev, CEO of TASE, lauded the decision as a "transformative step" that will enhance Israel's economic prospects. “This alignment with international trading days will draw more foreign investors, make Israeli companies more competitive, and accelerate the growth of our local capital market,” Ben-Zeev said.
The shift has broader implications beyond trading hours. TASE has long sought inclusion in the Europe category of global index provider MSCI. In 2022, MSCI declined to reclassify Israel, citing its divergent trading days as a key obstacle. The forthcoming alignment removes this barrier, significantly increasing the likelihood of Israel joining MSCI’s European indices—a move that could funnel billions of dollars into the Israeli market.
Israel’s Tel Aviv Stock Exchange is set to begin operating Monday to Friday, rather than Sunday to Thursday, in order to align with international schedules.
— Bird's Eye View 🌍 (@BrdsView) December 31, 2024
Smotrich, the country’s finance minister, said that he would approve the switch, expected to take effect at the start of… pic.twitter.com/5dLCFv4MjM
A Vision for 2026 and Beyond
The timing of the shift—set for early 2026—reflects the complexity of implementing such a sweeping change. Smotrich’s office noted that substantial preparation is required to adapt trading infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and operational practices to the new schedule.
“This is a forward-thinking decision that positions Israel as a dynamic player in the global economy,” said Ben-Zeev. “It underscores our commitment to innovation, adaptability, and growth.”
A New Era for Israeli Finance
The move to a Monday-to-Friday schedule marks the beginning of a new era for Israel's financial markets. It signals to the world that Israel is not just keeping pace with global economic trends but actively leading the way in adapting to the demands of an interconnected financial ecosystem.
With this bold decision, Israel is setting the stage for greater economic integration and demonstrating its readiness to compete on the world stage. As the 2026 implementation date approaches, all eyes will be on TASE to see how this historic shift transforms Israel’s financial future.
By aligning its stock market with international standards, Israel is not merely changing trading hours—it’s charting a course for unparalleled growth and global recognition.
