Written by: Zack Miller | January 12, 2009
In the face of global chaos, Israeli real estate prices still found a way to go up over 10% for 2008. While most of the gains came in the first 3/4 of the year, prices have gone up even more in places like Petach 
Tikva and Modiin, both with yearly price gains of over 20%.
From Globes:
Tel Aviv suburb Petach Tikva led the price rise in 2008 with the average apartment climbing 22% in price to NIS 856,000 last year. In second place was Modi’in where the price of the average apartment rose 21% to NIS 1,031,00. The average apartment in Rishon Lezion and Yavne rose by 17% to NIS 926,000 and NIS 587,000 respectively. The average apartment in Givat Ze’ev recorded a 16% rise to NIS 852,000. Prices rose 15% in Ramat Gan to NIS 1,037,000 and 14% in Tel Aviv to NIS 1,214,000. The average apartment price in Mevasseret Zion rose by 14% in 2008 to NIS 1,218,000 and by 10% in Jerusalem to NIS 1,060,000.
Written by: Zack Miller | April 3, 2008
It’s been a busy week for Israel investors. For those subscribers to our new subscription newsletter, Israel
Opportunity Investor, they’ve seen one portfolio company, Gilat Networks (GILT), announce an acquisition for a premium. While we hate to brag and say “we told you so”, well, we told you so. Read more about how merger arbitrage investors might look at this deal.
We saw CFO musical chairs this week with the Gilat CFO moving over and joining another portfolio holding, Check Point Software (CHKP). While we’re on the topic of Check Point, we wrote recently about a Barron’s article that mentioned that Check Point could be an acquisition candidate. We’ve hear your remarks and invite you to give your opinion. Will donkeys fly before this happens or for the right price, will Check Point give it up. You make the call.
Forbes sees value in Israel real estate and has ranked it the top “up and coming” location globally. The financial publication sees 2008 as a very tough market for real estate but sees Israel as a bright spot for global investors
We also saw the first introduction of a true Israel ETF (ESI). You can read our run-down of what we think of the iShares product here.
IOI Portfolio company and Israel geothermal, clean energy play, Ormat (ORA), lands another Nevada deal.
The US Army is looking to invest in Israel water technology. Seemingly, the US Army invests sizable amounts in private equity and one of its funds is on the prowl looking to invest in Israel water technology companies. Read more.
