Israel Railways started last Saturday night the operation of two new railway lines. The first is the rebuilt Tel Aviv-Jerusalem line through the city of Beit Shemesh, and the new Tel Aviv-Ashkelon line

Finance Ministry said last week that economic growth will accelerate through the year despite late passage of the 2005 state budget. According to statement issued last week, 2005 will experience growth similar to that of last year - 4.3%

Robbie Hershkowitz representing foreign airlines in Israel criticized last week Israel Airports Authority arguing that the authority carries out discriminating policy against foreign airlines

El Al Israel Airlines continues the profit trend, recording the best annual results in five years. El Al presented an annual profit of 33.1 million dollars as compared with a profit of 6.4 million dollars in 2003 - An increase of 421%

Israel's Knafaim-Arkia Holdings signed an agreement to sell its airline Arkia to the company's 800 workers for USD$12 million, it said last Wednesday. Knafaim is the largest shareholder in Israel's major carrier, El Al Israel Airlines

According to figures released last week by the Bank of Israel, investment in transportation infrastructure dropped last year by almost 14%

Export Institute director Yechiel Assia said last week that The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute had decided to coordinate efforts to assist the Israeli wine industry to boost exports to Europe