Business and Economy
Israel partially reopened its skies this week, with visitors from “green countries” exempt from quarantine upon arrival.
Israeli Finance Minister Israel Katz says the economic situation “is the most difficult in the state’s history.”
Israelis can fly to Greece, Bulgaria and Croatia, but must be tested for COVID-19 before flying and remain in quarantine upon arrival until receiving the results.
Israelis will reportedly be limited to four locations and will have to remain in quarantine until receiving the results of a pre-flight COVID-19 test.
Users can choose between visiting Masada or the Western Wall, stopping at a vegan restaurant, seeing the Tel Aviv Center for Israeli Innovation, and then “floating” in the Dead Sea or “surfing” the beach.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Ankara and Athens over oil and gas exploration rights • Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday to discuss the matter.
“The cooperation between us will make both of us stronger,” Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu tells Colombian President Ivan Duque.
The aid plan, a joint effort of the Treasury, the Economy and Industry Ministry and the Israel Manufacturers Association, gives priority to employers that retained workers despite a drop in revenue.
“Reducing the political uncertainty would contribute to the confidence of the markets in the Israeli economy and improve the ability to deal with the [coronavirus] crisis,” says Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron.
A bill seeking to postpone the Aug. 25 deadline is to come before the Knesset on Wednesday • “We need to make every effort to avoid elections,” says Israeli premier.
Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir called the move “important news for the aviation sector and all Israelis.”
Edouard Cukierman, a leading Israeli investor and business academic, tells JNS about the severe challenges affecting Israeli startups and tech companies in the shadow of the global pandemic, though also notes the opportunities.
