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.

02 March 2025

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.

20 February 2025

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.

18 February 2025

Read more: Israel’s Unemployment Hits Historic Low as Job Market Surges

Israel's Consumer Price Index (CPI) surged by 0.6% in January, hitting the upper bounds of economic forecasts and further stoking concerns about inflationary pressures in the economy. With inflation remaining stubbornly high, a national budget still in limbo, and the specter of rising inflation in the United States that could ripple into the Israeli market, hopes for an early interest rate cut are fading fast. While many economists had predicted a rate reduction in the second quarter, the likelihood of near-term monetary easing is rapidly diminishing.

16 February 2025

Read more: Israel’s CPI Surges 0.6% in January, Housing Keeps Rising

While banks across Western nations entice customers with free checking, fee-less ATM withdrawals, and attractive incentives, Israeli banks have charted a path of their own—one paved with relentless fees, high-interest rates, and widespread consumer dissatisfaction. Ask any Israeli about their biggest financial grievance, and odds are they’ll point straight to the banking industry.

12 February 2025

Read more: Leumi Overtakes Teva as the Largest Company on the TASE