Gaza’s economy, stifled by the highest unemployment rate in the world, blockades, poor governance and a series of military conflicts, is headed towards a “collapse,” a new report by the World Bank says. “The report estimates that Gaza’s GDP would have been about four times higher than it currently is if it weren’t for the…
(JTA) — In the basement of one of Europe’s largest synagogues, 100 Jews are waiting to meet local film star Boris Smolkin. The crowd applauds enthusiastically as the 66-year-old funnyman, who gave his voice to Master Yoda in the Russian-language version of the “Star Wars” trilogy, sucks daintily on an electronic cigarette during a public interview…
(Reuters) — Israel’s high cost of living is set to dominate a March 17 election that could shake up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, with voter anger symbolized by an overpriced dessert. In a country where the influence of small parties makes elections notoriously hard to forecast, many experts still expect rightwing leader Netanyahu to keep…
In nearly nine years as Israel’s prime minister spread over three terms, Benjamin Netanyahu has been a security hawk, promising to do whatever it takes to combat the threat from Palestinian militants or a nuclear-armed Iran. But as he opened his campaign for a fourth term ahead of elections set for March 17, Netanyahu stepped…
(Reuters) — The collapse of Israel’s government will keep investors on edge at least until new elections are held in March, adding to the economic hit to tourism and growth from the July-August Gaza war. But amid the economic uncertainty and political turmoil, there are at least two silver linings, both of which could end…
When he opened his Jerusalem restaurant last year, former butcher Pini Levi drew national acclaim for his dish of coiled, battered and fried spinal cord served with a fiery hot sauce. But over this summer of war in Gaza, Levi said his German Colony restaurant, Pini’s Kitchen, has taken such a drubbing he may have…
(JTA) — After the missiles have stopped, after the troops have come home, even after most of the wounded are out of the hospital, Israelis will still be feeling the burden of Operation Protective Edge – this time in their pockets. With the recent expiration of a temporary cease-fire, the operation may not be over. (Another…
Israel’s 2014 budget will be able to absorb the costs incurred during the month-long Gaza conflict and there will be no need to increases taxes, Finance Minister Yair Lapid said on Thursday. It will take a week or two for the government to determine the total impact of the conflict on the economy, Lapid said,…
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