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Country risk, from the local press

Israel · Country watch

Diesel Prices Surge, Negev Security Concerns

Diesel prices in Israel spike significantly; security concerns rise in Negev due to Bedouin criminal networks.

· · 6 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Israel are deteriorating due to rising diesel prices impacting logistics, security concerns in the Negev, and potential UK sanctions affecting banks.

In this briefing Ultra-Orthodox community · IDF · Benjamin Netanyahu · Shin Bet · Bezalel Smotrich · Israeli banks · West Bank settlements

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

  • public-sector

Ultra-Orthodox protests planned over draft arrests

a group of people holding flags
shraga kopstein / Unsplash

Ultra-Orthodox extremists have announced plans for mass protests in Jerusalem and central Israel in response to the arrest of draft evaders, Ynet reports. The IDF has acknowledged that it largely halted proactive arrests of draft evaders in recent weeks, focusing instead on enforcement at border crossings during the High Holidays. The planned protests could disrupt public life and further strain relations between the Ultra-Orthodox community and state authorities.

Impact Public-sector operations in Jerusalem and central Israel may face disruptions due to planned protests.

Sources: Ynet ↗

Safety & health

  • defence
  • public-sector

Netanyahu orders security review in Negev region

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Shin Bet to prepare a comprehensive report and action plan following warnings from security officials about the potential threat posed by Bedouin criminal networks in the Negev, Israel Hayom reports. These networks reportedly possess weapons that could be used against the state. The order comes as part of a broader effort to address security vulnerabilities in the region, which is seen as a critical blind spot.

Impact Security measures in the Negev may tighten, affecting public-sector operations and defense readiness.

Sources: IsraelHayom ↗

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • energy
  • logistics

Diesel prices surge in Israel, affecting logistics

Diesel prices in Israel have surged significantly since the beginning of the year, outpacing the increase in gasoline prices, according to cursorinfo. The rise in diesel costs has prompted demands for action from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The proposed measures to reduce prices have already faced resistance, highlighting the challenges in addressing the issue. The spike in diesel prices is expected to impact logistics and transportation sectors, increasing operational costs for businesses reliant on diesel fuel.

Impact Logistics and transportation companies face higher operational costs due to rising diesel prices.

Sources: cursorinfo ↗

Trade

  • finance
  • construction

Israeli banks wary of UK sanctions on settlements

Israeli banks are concerned about potential expanded U.K. sanctions targeting entities involved in West Bank settlement expansions, Haaretz reports. These fears arise amid speculation that British sanctions could extend to financial institutions supporting construction projects in the disputed territories. Banks have not yet decided if they will continue to guarantee contractors bidding on controversial tenders in the E1 area, which has been internationally condemned.

Impact Israeli banks and construction firms face operational uncertainty due to potential UK sanctions.

Sources: Haaretz ↗

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Israel

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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