Polished diamond exportsin March continued to show a significant upward trend increasing by14% over last year, amounting to US$613.5 million (compared to US$538.3 million in March 2004)

Dr. Michel Strawczynski, Bank of Israel Research Department deputy director predicted last week that Israel's economy will grow by 4% in 2005, and business product will grow by 5%, slightly less than in 2004 In its latest economic forecasts, the Bank of I

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%