Editing Economy of Israel (section)

==Sectors==
===Agriculture===
{{Main|Agriculture in Israel}}
[[File:PikiWiki Israel 3584 Gan-Shmuel sb12- 7.jpg|thumb|The [[Kibbutz]]im, collective communities in Israel traditionally based on agriculture, played an important role in Israel's economy until the late 1970s.|alt=Men loading hay bales onto truck at a Kibbutz.]]
In 2017, 2.4% of the country's GDP is derived from [[Agriculture in Israel|agriculture]]. Of a total labor force of 2.7&nbsp;million, 2.6% are employed in agricultural production while 6.3% in services for agriculture.<ref>[http://www.moag.gov.il/agri/files/agriculture/index.html Agriculture in Israel – Facts and Figures 2008 – Israeli ministry of Agriculture Presentation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090809060406/http://www.moag.gov.il/agri/files/agriculture/index.html |date=9 August 2009 }}. Moag.gov.il. Retrieved on 8 September 2011.</ref> While Israel imports substantial quantities of grain (approximately 80% of local consumption), it is largely self-sufficient in other agricultural products and foodstuffs. For centuries, farmers of the region have grown varieties of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges and lemons. Citrus fruits are still Israel's major agricultural export. In addition, Israel is one of the world's leading greenhouse-food-exporting countries. Israel also produces and exports flowers and cotton. The country exports more than $1.3 billion worth of agricultural products every year, including farm produce as well as $1.2 billion worth of agricultural inputs and technology.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia | url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Economy/eco3.html | title=Israeli Agro-Technology | encyclopedia=Jewish Virtual Library | access-date=27 March 2013 | archive-date=29 November 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129214850/http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Economy/eco3.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli technological innovations in agriculture and water technology have given the Israeli [[Agricultural technology|AgTech]] sector a competitve edge and allows Israeli agtech companies to operate in numerous countries around the world.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perry |first=Veronica |date= |title=Water Technology and Agriculture: Sustaining Israel's Development |url=https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/water-technology-and-agriculture-sustaining-israels-development/ |work=The Times of Israel}}</ref>

===Financial services===
{{Main|Banking in Israel|Venture capital in Israel}}

[[File:Madpis.jpg|thumb|[[Jerusalem Venture Partners]] (JVP) compound in [[Jerusalem]], one of Israel's largest venture capital firms]]

Israel has over 100 active venture capital funds operating throughout the country with US$10 billion under management. In 2004, international foreign funds from various nations around the world committed over 50 percent of the total dollars invested exemplifying the country's strong and sound reputation as an internationally sought after foreign investment by many countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.israeltrade.org.au/israel/economic-overview/ |title=Economic Overviews |date=3 November 2009 |publisher=Israel Trade Commission |access-date=18 March 2013 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605205834/http://www.israeltrade.org.au/israel/economic-overview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel's venture capital sector has rapidly developed from the early 1990s, and has about 70 active venture capital funds (VC), of which 14 international VCs have Israeli offices. Israel's thriving venture capital and [[Business incubator|business-incubator]] industry played an important role in financing the country's flourishing high-tech sector.<ref>[http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/exeres/A19A138D-87A7-416B-8D62-1C968E035E13.htm Venture Capital in Israel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218080510/http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/exeres/A19A138D-87A7-416B-8D62-1C968E035E13.htm |date=18 February 2006 }}. Investinisrael.gov.il (21 June 2010). Retrieved on 8 September 2011.</ref> In 2008, venture capital investment in Israel, rose 19 percent to $1.9&nbsp;billion.<ref>[https://venturebeat.com/2009/02/18/international-venture-funding-rose-15-percent-in-2008/ International venture funding rose 5 percent in 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714021930/http://venturebeat.com/2009/02/18/international-venture-funding-rose-15-percent-in-2008/ |date=14 July 2012 }}. VentureBeat (18 February 2009). Retrieved on 8 September 2011.</ref>
[[File:Capital Raised by the Venture Capital Industry in Israel in the 1990’s.webp|thumb|The [[Yozma|Yozma Fund]] kick-started the venture capital industry in [[Israel]] during the 1990s, raising ~$8 billion total.<ref>https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24078427_Venture_capital_start-up_co-evolution_and_the_emergence_development_of_Israel's_new_high_tech_cluster</ref>]]
"Between 1991 and 2000, Israel's annual venture-capital outlays, nearly all private, rose nearly 60-fold, from $58&nbsp;million to $3.3&nbsp;billion; companies launched by Israeli venture funds rose from 100 to 800; and Israel's information-technology revenues rose from $1.6&nbsp;billion to $12.5&nbsp;billion. By 1999, Israel ranked second only to the United States in invested private-equity capital as a share of GDP. Israel led the world in the share of its growth attributable to high-tech ventures: 70 percent."<ref name= Gilder>{{cite journal |title=Silicon Israel – How market capitalism saved the Jewish state |url=https://www.city-journal.org/html/silicon-israel-13208.html |last=Gilder |first=George |journal=City Journal |date=Summer 2009 |volume=19 |issue=3 |access-date=24 August 2018 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605210113/https://www.city-journal.org/html/silicon-israel-13208.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Israel's thriving venture capital industry has played an important role in funding the country's booming high-technology sector, with hundreds of prosperous Israeli private equity and venture capital firms.<ref name= ChD>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2017-09/09/content_31763649.htm |title=China-Israel economic, tech cooperation to enter new stage: Israeli minister |date=9 September 2017 |website=China Daily |access-date=11 September 2017 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605210252/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2017-09/09/content_31763649.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[2008 financial crisis]] negatively affected the availability of venture capital locally. In 2009, there were 63 [[mergers and acquisitions]] in the Israeli market worth a total of $2.54 billion; 7% below 2008 levels ($2.74 billion), when 82 Israeli companies were merged or acquired, and 33% lower than 2007 proceeds ($3.79 billion) when 87 Israeli companies were merged or acquired.<ref name= VC>[http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/exeres/A19A138D-87A7-416B-8D62-1C968E035E13.htm Venture Capital in Israel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218080510/http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/exeres/A19A138D-87A7-416B-8D62-1C968E035E13.htm |date=18 February 2006 }}</ref> Numerous Israeli high tech companies have been acquired by various global multinational corporations for their ability to produce profit-driven technologies in addition to their arsenal of reliable corporate management and quality administrative personnel.<ref name= STEM/> In addition to venture capital funds, many of the world's leading investment banks, pension funds, and insurance companies have a strong presence in Israel committing their funds to financially back Israeli high-tech firms and benefit from its prosperous high tech sector. These institutional investors include [[Goldman Sachs]], [[Bear Stearns]], [[Deutsche Bank]], [[JP Morgan]], [[Credit Swiss First Boston|Credit Suisse First Boston]], [[Merrill Lynch]], [[CalPERS]], [[Ontario Teachers Pension Plan]], and [[American International Group|AIG]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nyjtimes.com/Heritage/News/2003/Aug/InvestinginIsrael.htm |title=Investing in Israel |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 March 2013 |author=Yoram Ettinger |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509230619/http://www.nyjtimes.com/Heritage/News/2003/Aug/InvestinginIsrael.htm |archive-date=9 May 2013 }}</ref>

Israel also has a small but fast growing [[hedge fund]] industry. Within five years between 2007 and 2012, the number of active hedge funds doubled to 60. Israel-based hedge funds have registered an increase of 162% from 2006 to 2012, when they managed a total of $2 billion ([[Israeli new shekel|₪]]8 billion) and employed about 300 people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/israel-a-bit-late-the-to-hedge-fund-party-1.5271291|title=Israel Belatedly Joins the Global Hedge Fund Boom|date=26 July 2012|access-date=19 January 2019|newspaper=Haaretz|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605210148/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/israel-a-bit-late-the-to-hedge-fund-party-1.5271291|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.finalternatives.com/node/21139|title=Israel Stakes Claim As Future Hedge Fund Center – FINalternatives|website=finalternatives.com|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125072211/http://www.finalternatives.com/node/21139|archive-date=25 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://cooconnect.com/archives/3621 Israeli hedge fund industry enjoys massive growth<!-- Bot generated title -->]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hedgefundsreview.com/hedge-funds-review/news/1553260/ash-saluja-cms-cameron-mckenna| title=Hedge Funds Review - Audio: Israel's hedge fund industry shows promise| access-date=16 January 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027154554/http://www.hedgefundsreview.com/hedge-funds-review/news/1553260/ash-saluja-cms-cameron-mckenna| archive-date=27 October 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tzurmanagement.com/tzur-management-israel-hedge-fund-survey|title=Tzur Management – Israel Hedge Fund Survey – Tzur Management|website=tzurmanagement.com|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906124522/http://tzurmanagement.com/tzur-management-israel-hedge-fund-survey|archive-date=6 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ever-growing hedge fund industry in Israel is also attracting a myriad of investors from around the world, particularly from the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-1000790165|title=How Israeli hedge funds can exploit their US potential|website=Globes|date=15 October 2012|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730224623/https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-1000790165|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2022, [[Tel Aviv]] was ranked 53rd on the [[Global Financial Centres Index]].<ref>[https://www.rfl.rw/docs/GFCI32Report2022.09.22v0.3WithEmbargo.pdf The Global Financial Centres Index 32]</ref>

In 2023, despite the occurrence of war and significant events like a legal reform and interest rate rise that shook the capital market and created uncertainty, about 40% of the companies traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange continued to distribute dividends to their shareholders. This was particularly evident in the energy, oil and gas industries, and in the banking and financial services sector. The year marked a record in the total dividend distributed to public shareholders, with about 62% of the distributed amount (16.8 billion shekels), compared to about 55% of the dividends (15.8 billion shekels) in 2022, with the remainder being paid to stakeholders. The average dividend yield of the exchange-listed companies in 2023 was approximately 2.9%, compared to about 2.8% in the previous year. This was the highest return since 2017 and higher than that of 2022, the record year, as the average market value in 2023 was about 9% lower than in 2022, while the total dividend was only about 5% lower than the previous year.<ref>{{cite news |date=9 May 2024 |title=למרות המלחמה והמהפכה המשפטית: כ-40% מחברות הבורסה חילקו דיבידנדים |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/economy/article/hy119mrikt |website=Ynet |access-date=9 May 2024 |archive-date=9 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509141933/https://www.ynet.co.il/economy/article/hy119mrikt |url-status=live |last1=זומר |first1=נווית }}</ref>

===High technology===
{{Main|Science and technology in Israel|Silicon Wadi}}
[[File:Weizmann accelerator.jpg|upright|thumb|right|[[Weizmann Institute of Science]], [[Rehovot]]|alt=Orb-tower of Weizmann Institute of Science]]

Science and technology in Israel is one of the country's most highly developed and industrialized sectors. The modern Israeli ecosystem of high technology is highly optimized making up a significant bulk of the Israeli economy. The percentage of Israelis engaged in scientific and technological inquiry, and the amount spent on research and development (R&D) concerning gross domestic product (GDP), is among the highest in the world,<ref>[http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/6B8717A4-7D79-4562-A57B-1FEA6857A2DB/0/IsraelWhereBreakthroughsHappen020709.pdf Invest In Israel. Where Breakthroughs Happen] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617013701/http://www.investinisrael.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/6B8717A4-7D79-4562-A57B-1FEA6857A2DB/0/IsraelWhereBreakthroughsHappen020709.pdf |date=17 June 2012 }}</ref> with 140 scientists and technicians per 10,000 employees. In comparison, the same is 85 per 10,000 in the United States and 83 per 10,000 in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sun.inc.hse.ru/sites/default/files/Shteinbuk.pdf |title=R&D and Innovation as a Growth Engine |last=Shteinbuk |first=Eduard |date=22 July 2011 |publisher=National Research University – Higher School of Economics |access-date=11 May 2013 |archive-date=8 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808102137/http://sun.inc.hse.ru/sites/default/files/Shteinbuk.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Israel ranks fourth in the world in scientific activity, as measured by the number of scientific publications per million citizens. Israel's percentage of the total number of scientific articles published worldwide is almost 10 times higher than its percentage of the world's population.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel ranks fourth in the world in scientific activity, study finds |first=Ofri |last=Ilani |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-ranks-fourth-in-the-world-in-scientific-activity-study-finds-1.4034 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=17 November 2009 |access-date=17 October 2012 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924223602/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-ranks-fourth-in-the-world-in-scientific-activity-study-finds-1.4034 |url-status=live }}</ref> The country is home to over 1,400 life science companies, including about 300 pharmaceutical companies, 600 medical device companies, 450 digital health companies, and 468 biotechnology companies.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/in-the-news/reflections-on-israel-s-thriving-biotech-industry/ |title=Reflections on Israel's Thriving Biotech Industry |date=25 December 2019 |access-date=25 September 2021 |archive-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925140351/https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/in-the-news/reflections-on-israel-s-thriving-biotech-industry/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/opinion/israel-the-start-up-nation-is-now-the-biotech-nation-opinion-675850|title=Israel: The 'Start-Up Nation' is now the 'Biotech Nation' – opinion|date=4 August 2021|website=The Jerusalem Post &#124; JPost.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/how-israel-became-a-world-leader-in-biotechnology/ |title=Reflections on Israel's Thriving Biotech Industry |access-date=25 September 2021 |archive-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925140748/https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/how-israel-became-a-world-leader-in-biotechnology/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Israeli scientists, engineers, and technicians have contributed to the modern advancement of the natural sciences, [[Agricultural research in Israel|agricultural sciences]], computer sciences, electronics, genetics, medicine, optics, [[Solar power in Israel|solar energy]] and various fields of engineering. The country has one of the world's technologically most literate populations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14629611 |title=Israel profile – Media |publisher=BBC News  |access-date=14 October 2012 |date=24 July 2012 |archive-date=19 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119173519/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14629611 |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel has the second largest number of startup companies globally, behind only the United States, and remains one of the largest centers in the world for technology start-up enterprises.<ref name= Karr/><ref name= Chua219/> As of 2013, around 200 start-ups were being created annually in Israel.<ref name= moital/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.iaesi.org.il/_Uploads/dbsAttachedFiles/HongKongbusinessdelegation.pdf | title=Israel Association of Electronics & Software Industries Overview 2011 | publisher=Israel Association of Electronics and Software Industries | access-date=18 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513071626/http://www.iaesi.org.il/_Uploads/dbsAttachedFiles/HongKongbusinessdelegation.pdf | archive-date=13 May 2013 }}</ref> In 2019, there were nearly 7,000 active start-ups operating throughout the country.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3766973,00.html |title=Google Wants in on 6,000 Israeli Startups Within the Next 3 Years, Says Exec |date=24 July 2019 |access-date=18 March 2022 |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318213532/https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3766973,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, there were 79 Israeli-established tech [[unicorn (finance)|unicorns]], with 32 of them headquartered in Israel.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/33-unicorns-and-25b-in-funding-israeli-tech-sector-sets-new-records-in-2021/ |title=33 unicorns and $25b in funding: Israeli tech sector sets new records in 2021 |website=[[The Times of Israel]] |access-date=18 March 2022 |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213125439/https://www.timesofisrael.com/33-unicorns-and-25b-in-funding-israeli-tech-sector-sets-new-records-in-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref> More than one-third of cybersecurity unicorns in the world were Israeli in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-cybersecurity-firms-raise-record-3-4b-41-of-global-sector-investment/ |title=Israel cybersecurity firms raise record $3.4b, 41% of global sector investment |website=[[The Times of Israel]] |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321125645/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-cybersecurity-firms-raise-record-3-4b-41-of-global-sector-investment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel is also home to nearly 400 research and development centers owned by various multinational companies, including prominent high-technology giants such as [[Google]], [[Microsoft]], and [[Intel]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/multinationals/search |title="Start-Up Nation Finder – Israeli innovation network". |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927010717/https://finder.startupnationcentral.org/multinationals/search |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-five-google-features-developed-in-israel-1001285985 |title=Five Google features developed in Israel |newspaper=Globes |date=16 May 2019 |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=1 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901234000/https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-five-google-features-developed-in-israel-1001285985 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.microsoftrnd.co.il/ |title=Microsoft R&D Israel |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=3 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903201755/https://www.microsoftrnd.co.il/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/intel-in-israel.html |title=Intel in Israel |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=29 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729062542/https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/intel-in-israel.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Israel is also a major [[semiconductor]] design hub. The country is home to numerous chip design centers owned by major multinational corporations, and is considered as having one of the most advanced chip design industries in the world. In 2021, a total of 37 multinational corporations were operating in Israel in the semiconductor field.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-global-demand-for-microchips-surges-tech-giants-go-all-in-on-israel/ |title=As global demand for microchips surges, tech giants go all-in on Israel |website=[[The Times of Israel]] |access-date=20 March 2022 |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320203733/https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-global-demand-for-microchips-surges-tech-giants-go-all-in-on-israel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-seen-as-major-player-as-global-chip-war-intensifies-1001366716 |title=Israel seen as major player as global chip war intensifies |newspaper=Globes |date=4 August 2021 |access-date=20 March 2022 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705041914/https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israel-seen-as-major-player-as-global-chip-war-intensifies-1001366716 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1998, [[Tel Aviv]] was named by ''[[Newsweek]]'' as one of the ten technologically most influential cities in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Economy/telaviv.html |title=Tel Aviv One of The World's Top High-Tech Centers |work=Jewish Virtual Library |publisher=American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise |access-date=14 October 2012 |archive-date=14 July 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020714002005/http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Economy/telaviv.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2012, the city was also named one of the best places for high-tech startup companies, placed second behind its [[Silicon Valley|California counterpart]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://go.bloomberg.com/tech-deals/2012-11-21-after-silicon-valley-tel-aviv-ranks-best-for-tech-startups-study/ | publisher=Bloomberg | title=After Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv Ranks Best for Tech Startups: Study | access-date=16 January 2013 | archive-date=27 November 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127230947/http://go.bloomberg.com/tech-deals/2012-11-21-after-silicon-valley-tel-aviv-ranks-best-for-tech-startups-study/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.israel21c.org/tel-aviv-named-top-startup-center/|title=Tel Aviv named top startup center|first=Viva Sarah|last=Press|website=Israel21c|date=9 December 2012|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605210219/https://www.israel21c.org/tel-aviv-named-top-startup-center/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2013, ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' ranked Tel Aviv as the second-best city for business start-ups, after [[Silicon Valley]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4415932,00.html |title=Tel Aviv No. 2 city for tech startups |newspaper=Ynetnews |date=11 August 2013 |publisher=Ynetnews.com |access-date=28 January 2018 |last1=Eichner |first1=Itamar |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605205836/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4415932,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, StartupBlink ranked Israel as having the third best [[startup ecosystem]] in the world, behind only the United States and [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3866873,00.html |title=Israel is ranked third in the world for tech, but can it hold its spot? |date=29 October 2020 |access-date=18 March 2022 |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124025322/https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3866873,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a result of the country's highly prolific and dynamic start-up culture, Israel is often referred to as the "[[Start-up Nation|Start-Up Nation]]."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/trend-tracking/how-israel-became-startup-nation/articleshow/57465402.cms|title=How Israel turned itself into a startup nation – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804031629/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/trend-tracking/how-israel-became-startup-nation/articleshow/57465402.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21543151|title=What next for the start-up nation?|date=21 January 2012|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=13 August 2017|issn=0013-0613|archive-date=25 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725154615/http://www.economist.com/node/21543151|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Rogers | first=Stewart | title=Israel: 'Startup Nation' — the good, the great, and the one fatal flaw | website=VentureBeat | date=6 October 2017 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/10/06/israel-startup-nation-the-good-the-great-and-the-one-fatal-flaw/ | access-date=2 April 2018 | archive-date=13 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513163520/https://venturebeat.com/2017/10/06/israel-startup-nation-the-good-the-great-and-the-one-fatal-flaw/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and the "Silicon Valley of the Middle East".<ref name= ChD/> Programs that send people to Israel to explore the "Start-Up Nation" economy include TAVtech Ventures and TAMID Group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.schusterman.org/tamid-israel-investment-group|title=The TAMID Israel Investment Group|website=schusterman.org|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-date=14 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814031415/https://www.schusterman.org/tamid-israel-investment-group|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.israel21c.org/ivy-leaguers-on-winter-break-learn-coding-in-israel/|title=Ivy Leaguers on winter break learn coding in Israel|work=Israel21c|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818052510/https://www.israel21c.org/ivy-leaguers-on-winter-break-learn-coding-in-israel/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://forward.com/scribe/360493/tavtech-launching-the-next-generation-of-the-startup-nation/|title=TavTech: Launching The Next Generation of the Startup Nation|work=The Forward|access-date=13 August 2017|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805175833/https://forward.com/scribe/360493/tavtech-launching-the-next-generation-of-the-startup-nation/|url-status=live}}</ref> This success has been attributed by some to widespread service in the [[Israel Defense Forces]] and its development of talent which then fuels the high-tech industry upon discharge.

In recent years, the industry has faced a shortage of technology specialists; 15% of positions in the high technology sector of Israel were unfilled as of 2019.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Jpost-Tech/Israeli-tech-sector-faces-shortage-of-15000-workers-574436|title=Israeli tech sector faces shortage of 15,000 workers – Hi tech news – Jerusalem Post|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=16 December 2018|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-date=2 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002165653/https://www.jpost.com/Jpost-Tech/Israeli-tech-sector-faces-shortage-of-15000-workers-574436|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://8allocate.com/article/how-israeli-companies-respond-to-local-tech-talent-shortage/|title=How Israeli Companies Respond to Local Tech Talent Shortage|date=14 March 2019|website=8allocate|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605210519/https://8allocate.com/article/how-israeli-companies-respond-to-local-tech-talent-shortage/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the largest number of unfilled job positions (31%) are in [[software engineering]] specialities: [[DevOps]], [[Back-end (computing)|back-end]], [[data science]], [[machine learning]] and [[artificial intelligence]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/15000-tech-worker-shortfall-pushing-firms-to-seek-talent-offshore/|title=15,000 tech worker shortfall pushing firms to seek talent offshore|last=Solomon|first=Shoshanna|website=The Times of Israel|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-date=8 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108074936/https://www.timesofisrael.com/15000-tech-worker-shortfall-pushing-firms-to-seek-talent-offshore/|url-status=live}}</ref> Therefore, salaries of specialists in the Israeli market also increased significantly. To solve this problem, IT companies look for filling the gaps abroad. Consequently, they employ about 25% of their entire workforce overseas. Most companies choose to hire employees from [[Ukraine]] (45%) and the United States (with 16%) are the second most popular [[offshoring]] destination country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://8allocate.com/article/how-it-outsourcing-to-ukraine-helps-israeli-companies-stay-ahead-of-the-curve/|title=How IT Outsourcing To Ukraine Helps Israeli Companies Stay Ahead of the Curve|date=1 February 2019|website=8allocate|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605205837/https://8allocate.com/article/how-it-outsourcing-to-ukraine-helps-israeli-companies-stay-ahead-of-the-curve/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=December 2018|title=Start Up Nation Central Human Capital Report 2018|url=https://www.startupnationcentral.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Start-Up-Nation-Central-Human-Capital-Report-2018.pdf|journal=Start-Up Nation Central|pages=7, 16|access-date=5 October 2019|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731005529/https://www.startupnationcentral.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Start-Up-Nation-Central-Human-Capital-Report-2018.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the [[Council for Higher Education in Israel]] launched a five-year program to increase the number of graduates from computer science and engineering programs by 40%.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

===Energy===
{{main|Energy in Israel}}
[[File:Levant Basin.png|right|thumb|Known oil and gas fields in the Levant Basin (US EIA)]]
[[File:Fossil fuel consumption in Israel.svg|right|thumb|Consumption of fossil fuel energy sources in Israel since 1980.  Coal consumption rose steadily since 1980 when it was negligible.  Natural gas consumption was nearly zero in 2003 and has risen steadily since.]]

Historically, Israel relied on external imports for meeting most of its energy needs, spending an amount equivalent to over 5% of its GDP per year in 2009 on imports of energy products.<ref name= gas1>{{cite news |title=Gas discovery tempers Israeli recession blues |first=Amotz |last=Asa-El |url=http://articles.marketwatch.com/2009-01-27/news/30797823_1_gas-discovery-delek-group-natural-gas/2 |newspaper=MarketWatch |date=27 January 2009 |access-date=17 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128053526/http://articles.marketwatch.com/2009-01-27/news/30797823_1_gas-discovery-delek-group-natural-gas/2 |archive-date=28 January 2013  }}</ref> The transportation sector relies mainly on [[gasoline]] and [[diesel fuel]], while the majority of electricity production is generated using imported coal. As of 2013, Israel was importing about 100 mln barrels of oil per year.<ref>[https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/country.cfm?iso=ISR Israel's Key Energy Statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731035659/https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/country.cfm?iso=ISR |date=31 July 2017 }} – [[Energy Information Administration]] site</ref> The country possesses negligible reserves of [[crude oil]] but does have domestic [[natural gas]] resources which were discovered in more significant quantities starting in 2009, after many decades of previously unsuccessful [[hydrocarbon exploration|exploration]].<ref name= Gas1/><ref name= eiarpt>{{cite web|title=Oil and natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean region (summer 2013 report)|publisher=[[Energy Information Administration|U.S. Energy Information Administration]]|date=15 August 2013|url=http://www.eia.gov/countries/regions-topics.cfm?fips=EM|access-date=24 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901220817/http://www.eia.gov/countries/regions-topics.cfm?fips=EM|archive-date=1 September 2013}}</ref><ref name= gas6>{{cite news |first=Charles |last=Levinson |author2=Chazan, Guy |title=Big Gas Find Sparks a Frenzy in Israel |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204204004576049842786766586 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=30 December 2010 |access-date=1 January 2011 |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523213806/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204204004576049842786766586 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name= gas10>{{cite news |last=Bar-Eli |first=Avi |title=400 Drills in 60 Years: Is there Oil in Israel? |url=http://www.themarker.com/markets/1.631559 |access-date=27 April 2011 |newspaper=[[TheMarker]] |date=26 April 2011 |language=he |archive-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106212146/https://www.themarker.com/markets/1.631559 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Udasin|first=Sharon|title=New Natural Gas Wealth Means Historic Change for Israel|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/07/120703-israel-new-natural-gas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707043556/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/07/120703-israel-new-natural-gas/|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2012|access-date=25 August 2012|newspaper=[[National Geographic Society|National Geographic News]]|date=3 July 2012|location=part of "The Great Energy Challenge" series}}</ref>

====Natural gas====
{{Main|Natural gas in Israel}}
Until the early 2000s, natural gas use in Israel was minimal. In the late 1990s, the government of Israel decided to encourage the usage of natural gas because of environmental, cost, and resource diversification reasons. At the time however, there were no domestic sources of natural gas and the expectation was that gas would be supplied from overseas in the form of [[Liquefied natural gas|LNG]] and by a future pipeline from Egypt (which eventually became the [[Arish–Ashkelon pipeline]]). Plans were made for the [[Israel Electric Corporation]] to construct several natural gas-driven power plants, for erecting a national gas distribution grid, and for an LNG import terminal.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Natural Gas Usage in Israel<ref>{{cite web|title=Delivery System|url=http://www.ingl.co.il/he/%D7%9E%D7%A2%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94.html|publisher=Israel Natural Gas Lines, Ltd.|access-date=24 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904083001/http://www.ingl.co.il/he/%D7%9E%D7%A2%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%95%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94.html|archive-date=4 September 2012}}</ref>
! 2004
! 2005
! 2006
! 2007
! 2008
! 2009
! 2010
! 2014
! 2016
! 2018<sup>*</sup>
! 2020<sup>*</sup>
! 2022<sup>*</sup>
! 2024<sup>*</sup>
! 2026<sup>*</sup>
! 2028<sup>*</sup>
! 2030<sup>*</sup>
|- style="text-align:right;"
|1.2
|1.6
|2.3
|2.7
|3.7
|4.2
|5.2
|7.6
|9.5
|10.1
|11.1
|11.7
|13
|14.3
|15.3
|16.8
|-
|colspan="16"|<small>Figures are in Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) per year.</small> <sup>*</sup><small>Projected</small>
|}

====Recent discoveries ====
In 2000, a 33-billion-cubic-metre (BCM), or 1,200-billion-cubic-foot, natural-gas field was located offshore [[Ashkelon]], with commercial production starting in 2004. {{As of|2014}} however, this field is nearly depleted—earlier than expected due to increased pumping to partially compensate for the loss of imported Egyptian gas in the wake of unrest associated with the [[Egyptian Revolution of 2011|fall of the Mubarak regime in 2011]]. In 2009, a significant gas find named [[Tamar gas field|Tamar]], with [[proven reserves]] of 223 BCM or {{convert|223|e9m3|disp=out}} (307 BCM total proven + probable) was located in deep water approximately {{convert|90|km|mi|-1|abbr=on}} west of [[Haifa]], as well as a smaller 15 BCM ({{convert|15|e9m3|disp=out}}) field situated nearer the coastline.<ref name= gas4>{{cite press release |title=Delek Group Subsidiaries Announce Preliminary Results of 3D Seismic Survey & Updates on Tamar & Mari-B Fields |publisher=[[Delek Group]] |date=3 June 2010 |url=http://ir.delek-group.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=160695&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1433914 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121124140/http://ir.delek-group.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=160695&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1433914 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 January 2013 |access-date=3 June 2010 }}</ref><ref name= gas2>{{cite news |title=Tamar offshore field promises even more gas than expected |first=Avi |last=Bar-Eli |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/tamar-offshore-field-promises-even-more-gas-than-expected-1.281861 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=12 August 2009 |access-date=17 October 2012 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731042041/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/tamar-offshore-field-promises-even-more-gas-than-expected-1.281861 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name= gas3>{{cite news |title=Noble increases Tamar gas reserve estimate 15 pct |first=Steven |last=Scheer |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2010/06/03/israel-naturalgas-idUSLDE65209Q20100603 |work=Reuters|date=3 June 2010 |access-date=17 October 2012 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145408/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/06/03/israel-naturalgas-idUSLDE65209Q20100603 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name= TamarUpd>{{cite web|title=Tamar Reserves Update|url=http://maya.tase.co.il/bursa/report.asp?report_cd=875826-00&CompCd=232&Type=Pdf|publisher=Isramco Negev 2, LP.|access-date=2 February 2014|page=2|date=1 February 2014|archive-date=29 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329184559/http://maya.tase.co.il/bursa/report.asp?report_cd=875826-00&CompCd=232&Type=Pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, results of 3D seismic surveys and test drilling conducted since 2010 have confirmed that an estimated 621 BCM ({{convert|621|e9m3|disp=out}}) natural-gas deposit named [[Leviathan gas field|Leviathan]] exists in a large underwater geological formation nearby the large gas field already discovered in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Solomon|first1=Shoshanna|last2=Khan|first2=Sarmad|title=Israel Shares Rise as Gas Field Reserves Are Increased|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-13/dubai-stocks-climb-on-property-profit-prospects-abu-dhabi-gains.html|access-date=13 July 2014|publisher=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=13 July 2014|archive-date=26 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026053728/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-13/dubai-stocks-climb-on-property-profit-prospects-abu-dhabi-gains.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= gas5>{{cite press release |title=Significant Discovery Announced at Leviathan-1 |publisher=[[Delek Group]] |date=29 December 2010 |url=http://ir.delek-group.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=160695&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1511164 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121090330/http://ir.delek-group.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=160695&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1511164 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 January 2013 |access-date=30 December 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Barkat|first=Amiram|title=Leviathan gas reserves raised again|url=http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000840788|access-date=1 May 2013|newspaper=[[Globes (newspaper)|Globes]]|date=1 May 2013|author2=Koren, Hillel|archive-date=16 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916032306/http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000840788|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Tamar field began commercial production on 30 March 2013 after four years of development.<ref>{{cite news|last=Solomon|first=Shoshanna|title=Israel Begins Gas Production at Tamar Field in Boost to Economy|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-30/israel-begins-gas-production-at-tamar-field-in-boost-to-economy.html|access-date=30 March 2013|date=30 March 2013|author2=Ackerman, Gwen|publisher=[[Bloomberg News]]|archive-date=31 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331221346/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-30/israel-begins-gas-production-at-tamar-field-in-boost-to-economy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The supply of gas from Tamar was expected to aid the Israeli economy, which had suffered losses of more than [[Israeli new shekel|₪]]20 billion between 2011 and 2013 resulting from the disruption of gas supplies from neighboring Egypt (and which are not expected to resume due to Egypt's decision to indefinitely suspend its gas supply agreement to Israel).<ref>{{cite news|last=Barkat|first=Amiram|title=Israel in talks to export gas via Egypt|url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000904162|access-date=18 April 2013|newspaper=[[Globes (newspaper)|Globes]]|date=24 December 2013|archive-date=13 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013150407/http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-1000904162|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Barkat|first=Amiram|script-title=he:עצמאות אנרגטית: החלה הזרמת הגז הטבעי ממאגר "תמר"; צפוי להגיע לישראל תוך 24 שעות|url=http://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1000833050|access-date=30 March 2013|newspaper=[[Globes (newspaper)|Globes]]|date=30 March 2013|language=he|trans-title=Energy Independence: Gas from Tamar Expected to Arrive in 24 Hours|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804130409/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1000833050|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, Israel, as well as its other neighbor Jordan, which also suffered from disruption of gas deliveries from Egypt, had to resort to importing significantly more expensive and polluting liquid heavy fuels as substitute sources of energy. The ensuing energy crisis in Israel was lifted once the Tamar field came online in 2013, while Jordan committed to a US$10 billion, 15-year gas supply deal totaling 45 BCM from the Israeli Leviathan field which is scheduled to come online in late 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Leviathan partners say all conditions met to supply natgas to Jordan|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-jordan-natgas/leviathan-partners-say-all-conditions-met-to-supply-natgas-to-jordan-idUSL5N1QP1NO|access-date=10 March 2018|work=[[Reuters]]|date=7 March 2018|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730220544/https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-jordan-natgas/leviathan-partners-say-all-conditions-met-to-supply-natgas-to-jordan-idUSL5N1QP1NO|url-status=live}}</ref> The agreement is estimated to save Jordan US$600 million per year in energy costs.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Omari|first1=Raed|title=Lands for Israel gas pipeline acquired|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/lands-israel-gas-pipeline-acquired%E2%80%99|access-date=10 March 2018|work=[[The Jordan Times]]|date=8 March 2018|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730223316/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/lands-israel-gas-pipeline-acquired%E2%80%99|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the owners of the Tamar and Leviathan fields announced that they are negotiating an agreement with a consortium of Egyptian firms for the supply of up to 64 BCM of gas over 10 years valued at up to US$15 billion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel announces major gas deal with Egypt|url=http://www.dw.com/en/israel-announces-major-gas-deal-with-egypt/a-42647022|access-date=10 March 2018|publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]]|date=19 February 2018|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804135113/https://www.dw.com/en/israel-announces-major-gas-deal-with-egypt/a-42647022|url-status=live}}</ref> In early 2012 the Israeli cabinet announced plans to set up a [[sovereign wealth fund]] (called "the [[Israeli Citizens' Fund]]").<ref>{{cite news|title=Cabinet outlines plan for sovereign wealth fund|url=http://www.jpost.com/Business/BusinessNews/Article.aspx?id=258495|access-date=20 February 2012|newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|date=19 February 2012|author=Shemer, Nadav|author2=Udasin, Sharon|archive-date=27 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227182904/http://www.jpost.com/Business/BusinessNews/Article.aspx?id=258495|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Field<ref>[http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=1875 Israel's Natural Gas Bonanza] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722040619/http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=1875 |date=22 July 2009 }}. ''Energy Tribune''. Retrieved on 8 September 2011.</ref>
! Discovered
! Production
! Estimated size
|-
| Noa North
| 1999<ref>{{cite journal|last=Beckwith|first=Robin|title=Israel's Gas Bonanza|journal=Journal of Petroleum Technology|volume=63|issue=3|date=March 2011|url=http://www.spe.org/jpt/print/archives/2011/03/12Israel.pdf|access-date=5 February 2012|page=46|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610043943/http://www.spe.org/jpt/print/archives/2011/03/12Israel.pdf|archive-date=10 June 2012|url-status=dead|doi=10.2118/0311-0046-JPT}}</ref>
| 2012 to 2014
| originally, {{convert|50|e9cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}; field depleted
|-
| Mari-B
| 2000
| 2004 to 2015
| originally, {{convert|1|e12cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}; field depleted
|-
| [[Tamar gas field|Tamar]]
| 2009
| 2013
| {{convert|10.8|e12cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}<ref name= TamarUpd/>
|-
| Dalit
| 2009
| Not in production
| {{convert|700|e9cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}
|-
| [[Leviathan gas field|Leviathan]]
| 2010
| 2019
| {{convert|22|e12cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}
|-
| Dolphin
| 2011
| Not in production
| {{convert|81.3|e9cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Yeshayahou|first=Koby|title=Dolphin gas field estimate cut by 85%|url=http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000723882&fid=1725|access-date=26 July 2012|newspaper=[[Globes (newspaper)|Globes]]|date=12 February 2012|archive-date=17 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217201408/http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000723882&fid=1725|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Tanin gas field|Tanin]]
| 2012
| Not in production
| {{convert|1.2|-|1.3|e12cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}
|-
| [[Karish gas field|Karish]]
| 2013
| 2022
| {{convert|2.3|-|3.6|e12cuft|e9m3|abbr=off}}
|}

====Electricity====
{{Main|Electricity sector in Israel}}
{{update|section|date=February 2020}}
[[File:Israel electricity production.svg|thumb|]]
[[File:Israel renewable electricity production.svg|thumb|]]
Since the founding of the state through the mid-2010s decade, the state-owned utility, [[Israel Electric Corporation]] (IEC) had an effective monopoly on power generation in the country. In 2010 the company sold 52,037&nbsp;GWh of electricity. Until the mid-2010s the country also faced a persistently low operating reserve, which is mostly the result of Israel being an "electricity island". Most countries have the capability of relying on power drawn from producers in adjacent countries in the event of a power shortage. Israel's grid however, is unconnected to those of neighboring countries. This is mostly due to political reasons but also to the considerably less-developed nature of the power systems of Jordan and Egypt, whose systems constantly struggle to meet domestic demand and whose per-capita electric generation is less than one fifth that of Israel's. Nevertheless, while operating reserves in Israel were low, the country possessed sufficient generation and transmission capacity to meet domestic electricity needs and unlike in the countries surrounding it, [[rolling blackout]]s have historically been quite rare, even at periods of extreme demand.

Facing the increasing demand for electricity and concerned about the low reserve situation, the government of Israel began taking steps to increase the supply of electricity and operating reserve, as well to reduce the monopoly position of the IEC and increase competition in the [[electricity market]] starting in the second half of the 2000s decade. It instructed the IEC to construct several new power stations and encouraged private investment in the generation sector. By 2015, the IEC's share of total nationwide installed electric generation capacity had fallen to about 75%, with the company then possessing an installed generation capacity of about 13.6 gigawatts (GW). Since 2010, [[Independent Power Producer]]s have constructed three new gas-fired [[combined cycle]] power stations with a total generation capacity of about 2.2 GW, while various industrial concerns constructed on-premises [[cogeneration]] facilities with a total electricity output of about 1 GW, and which are licensed by the electric authority to sell surplus electricity to the national grid at competitive rates. Also under construction is a 300 MW [[Pumped-storage hydroelectricity|pumped storage]] facility, with two more in planning, plus several solar-powered plants.

In addition to the above steps, Israel and [[Cyprus]] are considering implementing the proposed [[EuroAsia Interconnector]] project. This consists of laying a 2000MW [[high-voltage direct current|HVDC]] [[submarine power cable|undersea power cable]] between them and between Cyprus and Greece, thus connecting [[Israel]] to the greater European power grid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Israel, Cyprus in underwater electricity cable deal|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iqfv2OhTRHvxJ_ehm4cpQJ5-7k5Q|access-date=25 March 2012|date=4 March 2012|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|archive-date=26 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326235608/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iqfv2OhTRHvxJ_ehm4cpQJ5-7k5Q|url-status=dead}}</ref> If carried out, this will allow a further increase in the country's operating reserve as well as sell surplus electricity abroad.

In 2016, total nationwide electricity production was 67.2 GWh, of which 55.2% was generated using natural gas and 43.8% using coal – the first time the share of electricity production using natural gas exceeded that generated using coal.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Share of Total Electricity Generation Capacity at Full Output<br />by Plant Type and Fuel Types Used by the IEC in 2010
!
! Coal
! [[Fuel oil]]
! Natural gas
! [[Diesel fuel|Diesel]]
|- style="text-align:right;"
||'''[[nameplate capacity|Installed capacity]] by plant type'''
||39.7%
||3.4%
||39.8%
||18.9%
|- style="text-align:right;"
||'''Total annual generation by fuel source'''
||61.0%
||0.9%
||36.6%
||1.5%
|}

====Solar power====
{{Main|Solar power in Israel}}
[[File:Solar dish at Ben-Gurion National Solar Energy Center in Israel.jpg|thumb|The [[Negev Desert]] is home to the Israeli solar research industry, in particular the [[National Solar Energy Center]] and the [[Arava Valley]], which is the sunniest area of Israel.|alt=Large solar dish scaffolding at Ben-Gurion National Solar Energy Center.]]
Solar power in Israel and the Israeli solar energy industry has a history that dates to the founding of the country. In the 1950s, [[Levi Yissar]] developed a solar water heater to help assuage an energy shortage in the new country.<ref name= Bach>Petrotyranny by John C. Bacher, [[David Suzuki]], published by Dundurn Press Ltd., 2000; reference is at Page 70 [https://books.google.com/books?id=P7LPZk8NuBgC&dq=Levi+Yissar&pg=PA70 Petrotyranny] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412035221/https://books.google.com/books?id=P7LPZk8NuBgC&dq=Levi+Yissar&pg=PA70 |date=12 April 2023 }}</ref> By 1967 around one in twenty households heated their water with the sun and 50,000 solar heaters had been sold.<ref name= Bach/> With the [[1973 oil crisis]], [[Harry Zvi Tabor]], the father of Israel's solar industry, developed the prototype solar water heater that is now used in over 90% of Israeli homes.<ref name= BW>{{cite news |title=At the Zenith of Solar Energy |first=Neal |last=Sandler |url=http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2008-03-26/at-the-zenith-of-solar-energybusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105185413/http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2008-03-26/at-the-zenith-of-solar-energybusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2012 |newspaper=Bloomberg Businessweek |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=17 October 2012}}</ref>

===Industrial manufacturing===
Israel has a large industrial capacity. It has a well-developed chemical industry with many of its products aimed at the export market. Most of the chemical plants are located in [[Ramat Hovav]], the [[Haifa Bay]] area and near the [[Dead Sea]]. [[Israel Chemicals]] is one of the largest fertilizer and chemical companies in Israel and its subsidiary, the [[Dead Sea Works]] in [[Sdom]] is the world's fourth-largest producer and supplier of [[potash]] products.<ref name= H2O>{{cite web |url=http://www.wateronline.com/doc.mvc/Dead-Sea-Works-Sdom-Israel-0001 |title=Case Study: Dead Sea Works – Sdom, Israel |publisher=Water Online |access-date=15 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209015523/http://www.wateronline.com/doc.mvc/Dead-Sea-Works-Sdom-Israel-0001 |archive-date=9 February 2013  }}</ref> The company also produces other products such as [[magnesium chloride]], industrial salts, de-icers, bath salts, table salt, and raw materials for the cosmetic industry.<ref name= H2O/> Industrial production of metals, machinery and electrical equipment, construction materials, consumer goods, and textiles, as well as food processing also form a significant part of the manufacturing sector. Machinery and equipment manufactured in Israel includes computer equipment, medical equipment, agricultural equipment, and robots.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-exports-on-the-rise-1001177295 | title=Medical equipment leads rise in Israel's exports | newspaper=Globes | date=16 February 2017 | access-date=18 March 2022 | archive-date=1 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201141337/https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-israels-exports-on-the-rise-1001177295 | url-status=live }}</ref> Israel has a successful [[semiconductor device fabrication]] industry, with several semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://images.mofcom.gov.cn/il/accessory/201201/1326371902770.pdf |title=An overview of the Israeli semiconductor industry |access-date=31 March 2022 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021092619/http://images.mofcom.gov.cn/il/accessory/201201/1326371902770.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

One of the country's largest employers is [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] which produces mainly aviation, space, and defense products. In 2017 the company had an order backlog of 11.4 billion US dollars.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Azulai|first1=Yuval|title=בלעדי: מנכ"ל התעשייה האווירית מדבר על הכל בראיון סוער|url=http://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001207528|access-date=14 October 2017|newspaper=[[Globes (newspaper)|Globes]]|date=13 October 2017|language=he|trans-title=IAI CEO tells all in exclusive interview|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805074131/https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001207528|url-status=live}}</ref> There are numerous other aerospace companies. Israeli aerospace companies are primarily sub-suppliers, focusing on fields such as machining, electronic systems and components, and composite materials.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aerospace Industry|url=https://investinisrael.gov.il/ExploreIsrael/sectors/Pages/Aerospace.aspx|url-status=live|website=InvestinIsrael.gov.il|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702113457/http://investinisrael.gov.il:80/ExploreIsrael/sectors/Pages/Aerospace.aspx |archive-date=2 July 2018 }}</ref> Israel is a major manufacturer and exporter of [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/how-israel-became-a-leader-in-drone-technology-595209 |title=How Israel became a leader in drone technology |date=13 July 2019 |access-date=18 March 2022 |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318223538/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/how-israel-became-a-leader-in-drone-technology-595209 |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel also has a significant pharmaceutical industry and is home to [[Teva Pharmaceutical Industries]], one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, which employed 40,000 people as of 2011. It specializes in [[generic drug|generic]] and proprietary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is the largest generic drug manufacturer in the world and one of the 15 largest pharmaceutical companies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiercepharma.com/special-reports/top-10-generic-drug-companies-2010/teva-top-10-generic-drug-companies-2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424201744/http://www.fiercepharma.com/special-reports/top-10-generic-drug-companies-2010/teva-top-10-generic-drug-companies-2010|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 April 2011|title=Teva – Top 10 Generic Drug Companies 2010 – FiercePharma|date=24 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.biojerusalem.org.il/database_company.asp?ID=76|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721143023/http://www.biojerusalem.org.il/database_company.asp?ID=76|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 July 2011|title=Teva Pharmaceutical Industries – Jerusalem – BioJerusalem|date=21 July 2011|access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> In addition, Israel also has a shipbuilding industry through the company [[Israel Shipyards]], which has one of the largest shipbuilding and repair facilities in the Eastern Mediterranean. For the civilian market, it builds merchant ships and other civilian watercraft as well as machinery for ports and heavy industries. It also builds naval craft for the defense market.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.israel-shipyards.com/recent-deliveries.asp |title=Shipyard's Deliveries |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405213030/https://www.israel-shipyards.com/recent-deliveries.asp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.shlomo.co.il/group/protfolio/israel-shipyards-ltd-isl |title=Israel Shipyards (ISL) |access-date=1 September 2021 |archive-date=1 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901231323/https://www.shlomo.co.il/group/protfolio/israel-shipyards-ltd-isl |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Diamond industry====
{{Main|Diamond industry in Israel}}
Israel is one of the world's three major centers for [[Diamond cutting|polished]] [[diamonds]], alongside Belgium and India. Israel's net polished diamond exports slid 22.8 percent in 2012 as polished diamond exports fell to $5.56 billion from $7.2 billion in 2011. Net exports of rough diamonds dropped 20.1 percent to $2.8 billion and net exports of polished diamonds slipped 24.9 percent to $4.3 billion, while net rough diamond imports dropped 12.9 percent to $3.8 billion. Net exports and imports dropped during the [[Great Recession]], particularly within the Eurozone, affected by the [[European sovereign-debt crisis]], and the United States. The United States is the largest market accounting for 36% of overall export market for polished diamonds while Hong Kong remains at second with 28 percent and Belgium at 8 percent coming in third.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/israel-s-2012-polished-diamond-exports-decline/|title=Israel's 2012 polished diamond exports decline|date=5 January 2013|website=Jewellery Business|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=18 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118095820/https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/israel-s-2012-polished-diamond-exports-decline/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4332282,00.html | title=Diamond Exports | newspaper=Ynetnews | date=15 January 2013 | access-date=16 January 2013 | archive-date=29 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129103246/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4332282,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/02/uk-israel-diamonds-exports-idUKBRE9010CH20130102 | work=Reuters| first=Steven | last=Scheer | title=Israel 2012 diamond exports fall, may rebound if no more crises | date=2 January 2013 | access-date=17 January 2013 | archive-date=24 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624041250/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-diamonds-exports/israel-2012-diamond-exports-fall-may-rebound-if-no-more-crises-idUKBRE9010CH20130102 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=41965&ArticleTitle=Israels+Polished+Diamond+Exports+-22%25+in+2012|title=Diamonds.net – Israel's Polished Diamond Exports −22% in 2012|date=3 January 2013|website=diamonds.net|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=5 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805081232/https://www.diamonds.net/News/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=41965&ArticleTitle=Israels+Polished+Diamond+Exports+-22%25+in+2012|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2016}}, cut diamonds were Israel's largest export product, comprising 23.2% of all exports.<ref name ="OEC" />

====Defense contracting====
{{main|Defense industry in Israel}}
Israel is one of the world's major exporters of military equipment, accounting for 10% of the world total in 2007. Three Israeli companies were listed on the 2010 [[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]] index of the world's top 100 arms-producing and military service companies: [[Elbit Systems]], [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] and [[RAFAEL]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosenberg |first=Israel David |title=For arms, Mideast is buyer's, not a seller's, market |url=http://gantdaily.com/2012/02/27/for-arms-mideast-is-buyers-not-a-sellers-market/ |access-date=6 March 2012 |newspaper=Gant Daily |date=27 February 2012 |agency=The Media Line |location=[[Jerusalem]], Israel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701070903/http://gantdaily.com/2012/02/27/for-arms-mideast-is-buyers-not-a-sellers-market/ |archive-date=1 July 2014  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The SIPRI Top 100 arms-producing and military services companies, 2010 |url=http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/production/Top100 |publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]] |access-date=6 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524090136/http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/production/Top100 |archive-date=24 May 2011  }}</ref> The Defense industry in Israel is a strategically important sector and a large employer within the country. It is also a major player in the global arms market and is the 11th largest arms exporter in the world as of 2012.<ref name= SIPRI>[http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/toplist.php Top List TIV Tables-SIPRI] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214003447/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/toplist.php |date=14 February 2013 }}. Armstrade.sipri.org. Retrieved on 9 May 2012.</ref> Total arms transfer agreements topped 12.9 billion between 2004 and 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Israel-among-top-arms-exporters-and-importers|title=Israel among top arms exporters and importers – Defense – Jerusalem Post|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=28 August 2012|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730233750/https://www.jpost.com/Defense/Israel-among-top-arms-exporters-and-importers|url-status=live}}</ref> Israeli defense equipment exports have reached 7 billion U.S. dollars in 2012, making it a 20 percent increase from the amount of defense-related exports in 2011. Much of the exports are sold to the United States and Europe. Other major regions that purchase Israeli defense equipment include [[Southeast Asia]] and [[Latin America]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2013_army_military_defense_industry_news/defense_equipment_and_arms_exports_from_israel_to_reach_7_billion_in_2012_1101134.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118233505/http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2013_army_military_defense_industry_news/defense_equipment_and_arms_exports_from_israel_to_reach_7_billion_in_2012_1101134.html|url-status=dead|title=Defense equipment and arms exports from Israel to reach $7 billion in 2012 1101134 – Army Recognition<!-- Bot generated title -->|archivedate=18 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/.premium-israel-arms-sales-leaped-20-in-2012-1.5223822|title=Israel's Arms Exports Increased by 20 Percent in 2012|first=Amos|last=Harel|date=10 January 2013|access-date=19 January 2019|newspaper=Haaretz|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731015821/https://www.haaretz.com/.premium-israel-arms-sales-leaped-20-in-2012-1.5223822|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/.premium-military-industries-bask-in-iron-dome-success-1.5199537|title=Israel's Arms Industry Hoping Success of Iron Dome Will Bring It Sales|first=Ora|last=Coren|date=22 November 2012|access-date=19 January 2019|newspaper=Haaretz|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731024534/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/.premium-military-industries-bask-in-iron-dome-success-1.5199537|url-status=live}}</ref> [[India]] is also major country for Israeli arms exports and has remained Israel's largest arms market in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/israel-india-new-allies/|title=Israel & India: New Allies|first=Bruce|last=Riedel|date=30 November 2001|access-date=19 January 2019|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715034902/https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/israel-india-new-allies/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-23/news/34022998_1_defence-supplier-india-and-israel-anti-ballistic-missile-systems |work=The Times of India |title=$10 bn business: How Israel became India's most important partner in arms bazaar |date=23 September 2012 |access-date=16 January 2013 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305025921/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-23/news/34022998_1_defence-supplier-india-and-israel-anti-ballistic-missile-systems |url-status=dead }}</ref> Israel is considered to be the leading [[UAV]] exporter in the world.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2013/04/26/Israel-builds-up-its-war-robot-industry/UPI-54601367005342/ Israel builds up its war robot industry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804135600/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2013/04/26/Israel-builds-up-its-war-robot-industry/UPI-54601367005342/ |date=4 August 2020 }}. United Press International. 26 April 2013.</ref> According to the [[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]], Israeli defense companies were behind 41% of all drones exported in 2001–2011.<ref>[http://defense-update.com/20130503_israel-as-unmanned-air-systems-super-power.html "Israel – an unmanned air systems (UAS) super power"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806011346/http://defense-update.com/20130503_israel-as-unmanned-air-systems-super-power.html |date=6 August 2020 }}. Defense Update.</ref> Israel's defense exports in 2021 reached US$11.2 billion in sales. Exports to Arab countries that joined the [[Abraham Accords]] made up 7% of all Israeli defense exports.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-703910|title=Defense exports in 2021 reach 20-year high with $11.2b in sales|first=Anna|last=Ahronheim|date=12 April 2022|access-date=13 April 2022|work=The Jerusalem Post|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413012352/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-703910|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Tourism===
{{Main|Tourism in Israel}}
Israel is a major tourist destination, especially for those of [[Jewish]] ancestry, with 4.55 million foreign tourists visiting the country in 2019 (about one tourist per two Israelis),<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title=Israel welcomes record-breaking 4.55 million tourists in 2019 |work=The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-welcomes-record-breaking-455-million-tourists-in-2019-612456 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202010854/https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-welcomes-record-breaking-455-million-tourists-in-2019-612456 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=29 December 2019 |title=Israel Welcomes Record 4.55 Million Tourists In 2019, Says Ministry |url=https://nocamels.com/2019/12/israel-record-4-55-million-tourists-2019/ |access-date=19 February 2021 |website=NoCamels |archive-date=21 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621101127/https://nocamels.com/2019/12/israel-record-4-55-million-tourists-2019/ |url-status=live }}</ref> yielding a 25% growth since 2016 and contributed [[Israeli new shekel|₪]]20 billion to the economy, making it an all-time record at that time.<ref name= xin>{{cite web|last=Yan|date=3 January 2018|title=Israel sees record 3.6 mln inbound tourists in 2017|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/03/c_136867704.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195618/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/03/c_136867704.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 January 2018|agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref><ref name= IL21c1>{{cite web|last=Amir|first=Rebecca Stadlen|date=3 January 2018|title=Israel sets new record with 3.6 million tourists in 2017|url=https://www.israel21c.org/israel-sets-new-record-with-3-6-million-tourists-in-2017/|website=Israel21|access-date=24 January 2018|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624233112/https://www.israel21c.org/israel-sets-new-record-with-3-6-million-tourists-in-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= auto4>{{cite news|last=Raz-Chaimovich|first=Michal|date=27 December 2017|title=Record 3.6m tourists visit Israel in 2017|url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-record-36m-tourists-visit-israel-in-2017-1001217309|website=Globes|access-date=28 January 2018|archive-date=14 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914131914/http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-record-36m-tourists-visit-israel-in-2017-1001217309|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= auto5>{{cite web|date=4 January 2018|title=Israel Sees Record 3.6 Million Tourists in 2017|url=http://www.atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com/israel-sees-record-3-6-million-tourists-in-2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111022050/http://atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com/israel-sees-record-3-6-million-tourists-in-2017/|archive-date=11 January 2018|website=Atlanta Jewish Times}}</ref> The most popular paid visited [[tourist attraction|site]] is [[Masada]].<ref name= Ynet08>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3698864,00.html |title=Masada tourists' favorite spot in Israel |newspaper=[[Ynetnews]] |date=8 April 2009 |access-date=8 April 2009 |last1=Timor |first1=Ilai |archive-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122125335/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3698864,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref>