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.

Business culture in Israel is eclectic, with surprising contrasts between warm hospitality, a direct and no-nonsense business approach, aggressive negotiations, and slow-paced meetings. Expats doing business in Israel will likely feel at ease in the casual culture, but they should nevertheless be prepared to be flexible and patient.

Important industries in Israel include technology and communications, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and tourism.

Fast facts

Business hours

Typical office hours are 8.30am to 5pm (and sometimes 6pm) from Sunday to Thursday, while many businesses also operate on Friday mornings until noon.

Business language

International business is conducted in English, while local business is more often conducted in Hebrew. English proficiency is generally high among professionals, so a translator is rarely necessary for international meetings. Although its official status was demoted in 2018, Arabic is the native language of over 20 percent of the population, and it is an essential cultural and business language, particularly in Palestinian-run enterprises and mixed cities.

Dress

Business casual is common in most jobs, although women should generally avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially if they work with religious colleagues.

Greeting

Business associates usually greet each other by shaking hands. Expats should note that religious associates don’t typically shake hands with members of the opposite gender. Business cards may be exchanged for convenience, typically at the start of an introductory meeting. It’s appropriate to have them printed in English.

Gifts

Companies typically send gifts to their customers at holiday times. The holidays include Passover in the early spring and Rosh Hashanah in early autumn. Those with Muslim or Christian colleagues might consider giving gifts during holidays like Eid or Christmas. Champagne or flowers may be appropriate after closing a large deal.

Gender equality

While the business culture prides itself on being egalitarian and informal, there are significant structural disparities. Israel has one of the highest gender wage gaps in the OECD, and women are underrepresented in senior leadership roles across both business and government.

Business culture in Israel

Known as the ‘Start-Up Nation’, Israeli business culture is pervaded by technology and innovation. Israelis prize intelligence and creativity and show respect for experts and prominent specialists in their field.

Networking

Many Israelis have a direct, assertive, and persistent approach. Business can feel both informal and fast-paced, and it is often conducted with an inherent urgency. At the same time, personal connections are of the utmost importance. Colleagues and business partners take time to get to know one another, socialise, and drink coffee together.

Egalitarian work structure

The management style in Israel is often collaborative, and hierarchy in Israeli businesses isn’t always strongly enforced. Israelis are interested in solutions and results, and everyone is given the opportunity to voice their opinion. The culture places an enormous emphasis on hospitality, and Israelis will make an effort to be accommodating to expats from other cultures.

Cultural sensitivities

When working with Jewish religious colleagues, it’s important to be aware that they will not be available on the Sabbath (sundown on Friday until Saturday evening). It is customary to ask if there are special requirements when serving food or drink, as some Israelis observe the dietary laws of Kashrut.

Dos and don’ts of doing business in Israel

  • Do offer drinks when hosting a meeting, and prepare snacks when hosting long meetings
  • Do respect diversity and individual opinions. Avoid politics in general conversation and vocalising generalisations about Israel’s culture and people.
  • Do be prepared for everything to be negotiable, and be assertive
  • Don’t offer to shake hands with a religious person of the opposite sex
  • Don’t be surprised by sudden changes in plans
  • Do make polite conversation and be friendly, flexible, and accommodating
  • Don’t take it personally if a colleague answers their phone or takes a call during a meeting – this is entirely normal in Israeli business culture
  • Do take a moment to examine a business card before putting it away – it signals respect

What do expats say about work-life balance in Israel?

"There is the understanding that employees do have a life outside work. Family time is highly regarded as most Israelis have their own children and the society values children in general. Although employers are only legally obligated to offer 10 days of paid vacation per year, many companies are slightly more flexible. Employees are often invited to co-workers' religious and familial celebrations. Holidays are also very important here. The country is closed basically on the Jewish New Year in September and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)."

Learn more in Aviva’s expat interview about living in Israel and any tips she has for expats making the move.

Further reading

►For an overview of the job market, read Working in Israel

►Work Permits for Israel provides essential visa information for potential expats

Are you an expat living in Israel?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Israel. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.