Business brief
Defense Backlogs and Mainstream Banking Reshape Israeli Corporate Outlook
Record state defense orders and mainstream retail crypto trading highlight a shifting domestic business landscape.
Business
IAI's record $35B backlog proves sustained global demand for defense hardware, setting up Israel's largest state privatization in years.
BackgroundGlobal demand for Israeli air defense and missile systems has surged significantly over recent quarters. State-owned defense contractors have accumulated multi-year manufacturing backlogs while government officials evaluate partial public listings.
- First-half net profit surged 40% year-over-year to $449 million on revenues reaching $4.28 billion.
- The $35 billion order book represents nearly five years of continuous production output for international defense clients.
- Chairman Boaz Levy confirmed IPO preparations are advancing, though market analysts expect listing dates following upcoming elections.
Business
Bank Leumi's crypto integration creates a regulated gateway for digital asset adoption within Israel's mainstream banking system.
BackgroundInstitutional adoption of digital assets has accelerated as major financial institutions integrate crypto trading into traditional banking platforms. Regulators are establishing formal custodian and execution frameworks for commercial banks.
- Leumi and its digital arm PEPPER will allow trading in Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana directly within the Leumi Trade application.
- The infrastructure utilizes GalaxyOne for trade execution and local institutional custody systems for asset storage.
- The integration brings regulated crypto trading directly to Israel's largest commercial banking customer base.
Business
Silexion's Tel Aviv trial site shifts its RNA oncology platform into advanced human testing under dual European and Israeli oversight.
BackgroundPancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging oncology targets, requiring novel RNA intervention platforms. Clinical-stage biotechs leverage Israeli medical centers to conduct international trials under recognized regulatory frameworks.
- Silexion initiated active patient screening for its RNAi candidate SIL204 targeting locally advanced pancreatic tumors.
- The clinical site launch follows regulatory green lights from the Israeli Ministry of Health and Germany's BfArM agency.
- The company closed a supplemental $2.5 million public financing round to fund ongoing clinical operations.
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