Finance

Iraq struggles to pay public salaries as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens

Iraq’s oil exports plunged from 100 million barrels in February to around 32 million in May and June, according to figures shown to The National by the country’s Oil Ministry.

This frame grab taken from AFPTV video footage on July 12, 2026 shows cargo ships anchoring near the Strait of Hormuz; illustrative
Long-term success is built through patience, disciplined decisions, and investments that create lasting value.

Michael J Sacks on the connection between business growth and community investment

Finance Committee chair MK Hanoch Milwidsky leads a Finance committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, August 4, 2026.

Knesset panel approves budget transfer of NIS 270 million to haredi education during recess

Gadi Mazor, BioCatch CEO

Visa buys Israel's BioCatch for $2.4b


Israel, Paybox launch Jerusalem's first municipal wallet in push to digitalize taxes, payments

The system, known as MuniBox, will allow residents of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and Jerusalem to pay for most municipal services and taxes via a mobile app.

Digital Payment.

A breakthrough in the Slice affair: Investors will be able to choose how to receive their money

More than two years after the disappearance of approximately NIS 850 million, a first agreement has been signed with the funds marketed through Finbert.

Illustration: A first agreement has been signed with the funds marketed through Finbert

After supermarkets and mobile services: Rami Levy is entering a new and surprising field

Rami Levy Hashikma Marketing CEO says prices are affected by regulation and costs, and reveals plans to enter a new sector soon.

Rami Levy store.

The move that could bring billions to Israel: Energy giant moves closer

ExxonMobil is in talks with Energean to explore gas and oil in Israel as part of a new tender, boosting supply, competition and state revenue.

Offshore gas field.

Renewed U.S.-Iran tensions trigger fresh surge in oil prices

Renewed U.S.-Iran tensions send oil prices higher and rattle global financial markets.

Bank Hapoalim launches digital banking platform for children

Poalim Junior is designed for children aged 8 and up, allowing parents to load money, monitor purchases, and introduce children to basic financial habits.

Bank Hapoalim launches Poalim Junior, a new digital banking platform for children aged 8 and up.

How much will the Torah Students Law cost?

Amidst discussions on the government's betrayal of youth sent to the battlefield, the economic aspect is nearly forgotten: The Torah Students Law is bound to cause immense damage.

PM Netanyahu and MKs Goldknopf and Gafni during the vote on the Basic Law: Torah Study

Interest rate drama: The news for mortgage takers – and Smotrich's unusual attack on the governor

The finance minister harshly attacked the "minimal" interest rate reduction, in his words, to 3.5%, and revealed that he pressured for an aggressive cut.

Prof. Amir Yaron, Governor of the Bank of Israel

"Taylor Swift tax" takes effect

Rhode Island's new real estate law targeted billionaires and wealthy non-residents, and will cost the pop star an additional $136,000 a year.

Taylor Swift

Next Israeli gov't main issue will be controlling defense budget, Bank Hapoalim CEO told conference

Yadin Antebi told EY’s annual real estate conference that Israel’s defense budget would heavily shape the public’s standard of living in the coming years.

Bank Hapoalim CEO Yadin Antebi at EY's annual real estate conference