Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has once again shattered expectations, reporting a staggering net profit of $493 million for 2024, marking a phenomenal 55% surge from the previous year. This resounding financial triumph is further underscored by an unprecedented orders backlog of $25 billion, solidifying IAI’s position as a global powerhouse in the defense and aerospace industries.
Read more: IAI Reports Record $493M Profit, $25B Backlog Amid Soaring Demand
Despite loud public condemnations from Egypt and Jordan regarding Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas, the financial figures tell an entirely different story—one that reveals a deepening economic interdependence rather than a severing of ties. While the leaders of these neighboring Arab nations have, at times, issued fiery rhetoric and even threatened to annul peace accords, their actions in the economic sphere prove otherwise. Israel’s natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan surged by a remarkable 13.4% in 2024, marking a new milestone in regional trade.
Read more: Israel’s Natural Gas Exports to Egypt, Jordan Surge Amid Regional Tensions
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is once again grappling with operational turmoil in Israel, as one of its key franchisees, Mefco, has abruptly shuttered eight of its branches, dealing a significant blow to the brand’s presence in the country. The closures include locations in Arab communities, two branches in Be’er Sheva, and one in Ramla, sending shockwaves through the fast-food industry and raising concerns about KFC’s long-term viability in the Israeli market.
Read more: KFC Israel Faces Crisis as Franchisee Shuts Down Eight Locations
In a move widely anticipated by economic analysts, the Bank of Israel is expected to maintain its short-term interest rate at a steady 4.5% during its upcoming policy meeting, even as inflation reached its highest level in over a year. The decision, set to be unveiled on Monday at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT), underscores the central bank’s cautious approach in navigating economic turbulence while keeping an eye on the broader financial landscape.
Read more: Despite Troubling Inflation, Bank Of Israel Expected To Leave Rates Unchanged
In a striking testament to Israel’s economic resilience, the unemployment rate has plunged to an extraordinary 2.6% in January 2025, following seasonal adjustment, down from 2.7% in December 2024. This milestone, reported by the Central Bureau of Statistics, underscores a labor market so tight that employers are scrambling to find skilled workers to fill an overwhelming number of vacancies. The rate is among the lowest amongst OECD nations.
Read more: Israel’s Unemployment Hits Historic Low as Job Market Surges
