This guide was written prior to the 2026 conflict between the US, Israel and Iran and related hostilities. Non-essential travel to Israel is not advisable due to the risks related to military action in the broader Middle East area. Please consult official government travel advisories and exercise extreme caution before considering travel to the region.
For many expats, working in Israel has long been synonymous with the high-tech industry. The economy is quite resilient, underpinned by a world-class technology sector driven by Israel’s strength in applied sciences, engineering, and software development. Many Israeli graduates go on to become specialists in telecommunications and software development.
Israel’s GDP growth rebounded after a difficult period following the outbreak of war in October 2023, and the country is still a destination of interest for internationally mobile professionals in technology and business. This influx of expats, alongside Israel’s diverse population of Jewish, Arab, Palestinian-Arab, and other groups, means the country sustains a wide range of professional cultures and ways of working.
Job market in Israel
The job market in Israel is dominated by technical professions. Israeli companies have staked a major claim in the global high-tech and telecommunications markets due to their specialisations and ability to excel across diverse technological applications.
Key fields of employment for expats are communications, computer hardware and software, information systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, finance, medicine, law, and marketing. Cybersecurity in particular has surged since 2023, with defence tech start-ups nearly doubling in number due to the ongoing regional conflict – Beer Sheva has become Israel’s acknowledged cyber capital. Many foreigners also find employment teaching English.
Finding a job in Israel
Most expats move to Israel with a job in hand. It’s best to begin the search three to four months before moving – most employers don’t hire more than four months in advance, as they want people to start almost immediately, which can be problematic for some expats.
Jobs can be found through online job portals and by directly contacting recruitment agencies. It’s worthwhile to invest time in learning Hebrew, as many job listings are not in English. In Arab-owned businesses, prevalent in the north and areas like Nazareth, Arabic is the indigenous language and is vital for business in many sectors, despite its lack of official state status.
Networking is also a necessity in Israel, as most jobs are not publicly advertised. Speaking to colleagues and other contacts about potential opportunities goes a long way – a personal recommendation carries real weight.
Useful links
Work culture in Israel
The work culture in Israel varies significantly between the tech hubs of Tel Aviv and the Palestinian economic centres in the Galilee or occupied East Jerusalem. Tel Aviv is the business capital of Israel, although there are also significant industries and tech parks in Haifa, Jerusalem, and Beer Sheva.
Work dress in Israel is generally more relaxed than in North America and Europe, but formal dress is expected in meetings. Both men and women are advised to dress conservatively when in religious areas or interacting with religious communities. Business cards are common, but there is no formality involved in exchanging them. Socialising is an important part of meetings, and they often run overtime or begin late.
Business hours in Israel are usually from 8.30am to 6pm. The working week is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday mornings included in some industries. These hours may vary, especially in predominantly Islamic areas, where Friday is a significant day of rest. Employees work eight to nine hours per day, with a statutory break of at least 45 minutes, and Israeli law caps working hours at 42 per week.