Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the north-east, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the south-west and the Palestinian territories. The capital is Jerusalem, though Tel Aviv serves as the country's economic and financial centre. Israel has a population of about nine-million people and operates as a parliamentary democracy. The economy is advanced and diversified, with key sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals, defence manufacturing, agriculture and diamond processing. Israel is a global leader in high-technology industries, particularly cybersecurity, software development and medical devices, earning it the nickname "Startup Nation". The currency is the new Israeli shekel. Major exports include cut diamonds, pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals and technology products. Israel is a member of the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly involving Iran and Palestinian territories, periodically affect investor sentiment and economic stability. The country was established in 1948 and has since developed one of the most technologically sophisticated economies in the Middle East.
Israel Updates
Oil prices climb more than $4 after Israeli strikes on Iran, Lebanon
By: Reuters 8th June 2026 Oil prices jumped more than $4 on Monday, with investors spooked by fresh Israeli strikes on Iran as well as renewed attacks on Lebanon a day... →
Presidency notes ICJ Order on South Africa and Israel case
3rd June 2026 On 21 May 2026, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an Order setting a deadline of 22 November 2027 for South Africa to file its Reply... →
South Africa's "Urgent" Genocide Case Collapses Into a Decade of Delay
3rd June 2026 The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) has condemned the latest developments in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court... →
Hostilities flare in Iran war, oil jumps with talks at a stalemate
By: Reuters 3rd June 2026 Gulf hostilities flared again on Wednesday, with an Iranian missile attack damaging Kuwait's airport and the US military carrying out strikes near... →
Kenya inflation rises sharply for second month, driven by fuel
By: Reuters 29th May 2026 Kenya's inflation rose sharply for the second month running in May, hitting its highest in more than two years largely due to fuel price hikes... →
Big and small pictures
By: Terence Creamer 29th May 2026 Much has been written in recent weeks about the geopolitical factors now driving the energy transition. Particular attention has been given to how... →
South African central bank raises key rate by 25 basis points 
By: Reuters 28th May 2026 South Africa's central bank raised its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 7% on Thursday, saying the decision was aimed at managing risks and... →
Nigeria's central bank maintains key rate, says caution needed
By: Reuters 20th May 2026 Nigeria's central bank kept its key lending rate unchanged at 26.50% on Wednesday, with Governor Olayemi Cardoso saying a cautious and vigilant... →
Daily Podcast – May 20, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 20th May 2026 Making headlines: South Africa consumer inflation quickens in April; Lamola urges regional action on ‘irregular migration’, condemns vigilante... →
South Africa consumer inflation quickens to 4.0% y/y in April
By: Reuters 20th May 2026 South African inflation accelerated sharply in April, increasing the likelihood that the central bank will hike interest rates when it meets to... →
