CTECH – Latest Israeli Innovation & Technology News July 5, 2026
ServiceNow acquires ai.work for tens of millions, deepening Israel buying spree. Enterprise giant expands its AI agent strategy with its fourth Israeli acquisition in 2026. Read more
Nexar and Nauto merge in stock deal to form global physical AI company focused on real-world driving systems. The combined platform will use billions of miles of data to train autonomous and fleet intelligence models. Read more
“Everything we built was no longer relevant”: Tom Livne on Verbit’s collapse from a $2 billion valuation. What drove the founder of a unicorn out of the company he created? AI, and, according to Tom Livne, above all, the board of directors. In an exclusive, unfiltered interview, the Verbit founder tells his side of one of Israeli tech’s most dramatic reversals and explains why he is now teaming up with Eyal Waldman to launch a SPAC. Read more
Cybersecurity, defense and chips: AI reshapes Israel’s exit market. Over 50 acquisitions in H1 2026 show how artificial intelligence is redefining valuation and strategic priorities. Read more
Israel’s tech sector raises $8.4 billion in the first half of 2026. 129 funding rounds spanning AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, healthcare and defence signal sustained investor appetite despite an ongoing war and global economic uncertainty. Read more
REE Automotive seeks court protection after collapsing from $3.1 billion SPAC valuation. Israeli EV startup that once rode investor hype now faces $17 million debt restructuring. Read more
Qualcomm acquires Israeli cyber company SAM for more than $150 million. The startup whose software protects more than 500 million connected devices across 15 million networks will continue operating independently as Qualcomm expands its telecom cybersecurity business. Read more
Aligned raises $60 million Series B to streamline messy B2B sales processes. The startup builds AI agents to automate complex deal workflows from first call to close. Read more
After raising tens of millions, fintech PayEm acquired for just $500,000. Once high-flying expense management startup now undergoing restructuring under Top Group ownership. Read more
Israeli startups raise more than $3 billion in June as AI investment frenzy accelerates. AppsFlyer, Cyera and DriveNets led one of the strongest fundraising months in recent years, while more than 25 startups attracted fresh capital as investors concentrated on companies building the infrastructure, security and applications powering the AI era. Read more
Israel weighs privatizing one of its most secretive state-owned companies. Government Companies Authority begins reviewing the possible sale of EAPC, the strategic energy company whose operations remain under a sweeping secrecy order. Read more
Cyber unicorn Aikido acquires Israeli startup Root for $70-$100 million. The Belgian company expands its AI security push and will open a new development center in Israel following the deal. Read more
Former $450 million Israeli cyber exit Argus to shut down. Now operating as PlaxidityX, the automotive cybersecurity company will close its Israeli operations and lay off its remaining 80 employees as parent Aumovio restructures amid a slowing automotive market. Read more
Anduril enters next phase of Israel strategy. As it builds a permanent presence in Israel, the $61 billion defense company has identified former Air Force commander Amikam Norkin as a leading candidate to lead its local operations. Read more
Israel tests Iron Dome and Iron Beam as integrated air defense system. Defense Ministry and Rafael complete joint trials combining missile and laser interception capabilities against rockets, cruise missiles and drones. Read more
Bridgecrew founder Guy Eisenkot’s Baz raises $9 million as AI coding race intensifies. Israeli startup takes total funding to $17 million and unveils new “Planner” product designed to prevent software bugs and security flaws before code is written. Read more
Wiz co-founder says Google deal feels “like a kid in a candy store.” Yinon Costica describes rare access to Google’s AI engine after historic exit. Read more
Wix’s Base44 builds its own AI model as race for specialized LLMs intensifies. Base1 replaces general-purpose models with an AI trained specifically for application development. Read more
Elementor cuts 100 jobs, 30% of workforce, as AI reshapes website building. Platform behind 25 million sites calls move a “reset” for the AI era. Read more
Israel aims to build space-based laser weapons, Defense Minister says. Israel Katz unveils ambitious plan to develop offensive space capabilities while warning the military is preparing for renewed conflict with Iran. Read more
After selling to Fiverr, founders raise $10 million Seed for new AI testing venture Arato. Company simulates user interactions to identify risks in AI-driven products. Read more
“Don’t even think about Wall Street until you reach $500 million in revenue.” Barclays Israel CEO Ilan Paz says the AI boom has rewritten the IPO playbook, leaving many Israeli companies too small for U.S. investors. Read more
Israel’s teenage G.I. Janes are preparing for the battlefield. On Israel’s beaches and in its parks, teenage girls as young as 14 are training in combat fitness programs as they set their sights on elite IDF units once closed to women. Read more
QualityAI to hire 100 employees in Israel despite AI-driven QA layoffs. The software testing company, previously known as QualiTest, is expanding its local workforce even as the industry moves toward automation. Read more
Iron Dome and Iron Beam maker Rafael signs $2.3 billion Spyder air defense deal with Romania. The deal with Romania includes multiple air defense batteries, with deliveries expected to begin within three years. Read more
Mindspace co-founder launches $25 million fund to buy out aging family businesses. Pitlane Capital, headed by Yotam Alroy, will invest in search funds targeting small family businesses without successors. Read more
