Israel Desks https://israeldesks.com/ Israel Desks Sun, 10 Aug 2025 15:40:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 Leviathan Signs USD 35B Gas Deal https://israeldesks.com/leviathan-signs-usd-35b-gas-deal/ https://israeldesks.com/leviathan-signs-usd-35b-gas-deal/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:41:37 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8240 The Leviathan gas field partners—Chevron, NewMed Energy, and Ratio Energies—have signed a major amendment to their export agreement with Blue Ocean Energy, a private Egyptian company, increasing gas export volumes by 130 billion cubic meters (BCM). The revised deal is valued at USD 35 billion, making it one of the largest cross-border energy transactions in […]

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The Leviathan gas field partners—Chevron, NewMed Energy, and Ratio Energies—have signed a major amendment to their export agreement with Blue Ocean Energy, a private Egyptian company, increasing gas export volumes by 130 billion cubic meters (BCM). The revised deal is valued at USD 35 billion, making it one of the largest cross-border energy transactions in Israel’s history.

The Leviathan field, a strategic offshore asset, will now play an even more central role in regional energy supply, strengthening economic ties between Israel and Egypt while reinforcing the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as a key energy corridor.

Agmon with Tulchinsky represented the Leviathan consortium, with legal work led by Dan HacohenEddie AshkenaziRebecca Baskin Zafrir, and Mai Ben Atar.

Read more in Globes.

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RealSense Spins Out From Intel, Raises USD 50M https://israeldesks.com/realsense-spins-out-from-intel-raises-usd-50m/ https://israeldesks.com/realsense-spins-out-from-intel-raises-usd-50m/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:38:25 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8238 RealSense, a US-based pioneer in AI-driven computer vision, has completed its spinout from Intel Corporation and secured a USD 50 million Series A funding round. A leading private equity firm focused on semiconductors led the round, with strategic backing from Intel Capital and the MediaTek Innovation Fund. RealSense will now operate independently, advancing technologies across […]

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RealSense, a US-based pioneer in AI-driven computer vision, has completed its spinout from Intel Corporation and secured a USD 50 million Series A funding round. A leading private equity firm focused on semiconductors led the round, with strategic backing from Intel Capital and the MediaTek Innovation Fund. RealSense will now operate independently, advancing technologies across AI, robotics, biometrics, and machine vision.

The capital will fund RealSense’s expansion into adjacent markets and bolster its global manufacturing, sales, and go-to-market capabilities. The move reflects rising global demand for autonomous robotics and AI-powered security systems, positioning RealSense as a key player in the next phase of intelligent sensing.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP advised RealSense, with a multidisciplinary team led by Corporate Partner Allison Leopold Tilley, supported by Lisa HigaChunbin XuTess BeimlerAlyssa JatnieksDavid JakopinPatricia CottonMatthew Rabinowitz, and Laura McDaniels.

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ZOOZ Power Bets Big on Bitcoin https://israeldesks.com/zooz-power-bets-big-on-bitcoin/ https://israeldesks.com/zooz-power-bets-big-on-bitcoin/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:16:58 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8234 ZOOZ Power, an Israel-based energy technology company, has raised USD 180 million in a private placement to support a major pivot into the digital asset sector. The company plans to allocate 95% of the proceeds to build a strategic bitcoin reserve, signaling a bold entry into cryptocurrency. The remaining funds will be used to repay […]

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ZOOZ Power, an Israel-based energy technology company, has raised USD 180 million in a private placement to support a major pivot into the digital asset sector. The company plans to allocate 95% of the proceeds to build a strategic bitcoin reserve, signaling a bold entry into cryptocurrency.

The remaining funds will be used to repay USD 3 million in debt and support general operations.

The transaction awaits shareholder approval, with a vote scheduled for September 8, 2025.

Cooley LLP is acting as U.S. legal advisor to ZOOZ
Shibolet & Co. is acting as Israeli legal advisor to ZOOZ
Goodwin Procter LLP is acting as U.S. legal advisor to Chardan (sole placement agent to ZOOZ)
Sullivan & Worcester LLP is acting as Israeli legal advisor to Chardan (sole placement agent to ZOOZ), with a team consisting of: Reut Alfiah, Tamir Chagal, Gal Cohen and Matan Guberman.

Read more in The Jerusalem Post.

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EU AI Rules Impact Israeli Tech https://israeldesks.com/eu-ai-rules-impact-israeli-tech/ https://israeldesks.com/eu-ai-rules-impact-israeli-tech/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:09:55 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8229 Dr. Philip Radlanski, Local Partner in the Intellectual Property & Technology Practice at Greenberg Traurig Germany, has shared expert analysis on how the European Union’s new AI regulation affects Israeli tech companies. In an interview with CTech by Calcalist, one of Israel’s top business publications, he explains the regulation’s expansive definition of AI—which may encompass […]

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Dr. Philip Radlanski, Local Partner in the Intellectual Property & Technology Practice at Greenberg Traurig Germany, has shared expert analysis on how the European Union’s new AI regulation affects Israeli tech companies.

In an interview with CTech by Calcalist, one of Israel’s top business publications, he explains the regulation’s expansive definition of AI—which may encompass tools like ChatGPT and even macOS-based systems.

Radlanski emphasizes the importance of understanding compliance requirements early, as failure to adapt could increase legal and financial risk.

The interview provides a timely roadmap for Israeli startups engaging with European markets, as the EU sharpens its regulatory oversight on AI-driven technologies.

Read more in CTech (Hebrew).

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Israel Launches NIS 25B AI Strategy https://israeldesks.com/israel-launches-nis-25b-ai-strategy/ https://israeldesks.com/israel-launches-nis-25b-ai-strategy/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:06:04 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8227 Israel has unveiled a draft National AI Plan proposing a NIS 25 billion (approximately USD 7 billion) investment to establish the country as a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation. The strategy focuses on building advanced infrastructure, expanding talent pipelines, and accelerating the use of AI across government services. Key components include the development of […]

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Israel has unveiled a draft National AI Plan proposing a NIS 25 billion (approximately USD 7 billion) investment to establish the country as a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation. The strategy focuses on building advanced infrastructure, expanding talent pipelines, and accelerating the use of AI across government services.

Key components include the development of high-performance computing centers and dedicated data facilities to support model training in sectors such as defense, finance, and science. The plan also allocates significant funding for education and training programs aimed at building a robust domestic AI workforce.

Additionally, the government seeks to embed AI solutions into public services while upholding ethical and regulatory standards. The initiative positions Israel to compete globally by aligning infrastructure, innovation, and policy under a cohesive national framework.

Read more in Globes.

 

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Azerbaijan Taps Israel for Energy Push https://israeldesks.com/azerbaijan-taps-israel-for-energy-push/ https://israeldesks.com/azerbaijan-taps-israel-for-energy-push/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:01:54 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8224 Baku expands regional gas corridor through Israeli infrastructure, with SOCAR investing USD 1.25 billion in Tamar gas field and exploring offshore Block I. Azerbaijan is cementing its role as a regional energy hub by integrating Israel into a broader Middle East–Europe energy network. Its state-owned energy firm, SOCAR, will begin supplying 2 billion cubic meters […]

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Baku expands regional gas corridor through Israeli infrastructure, with SOCAR investing USD 1.25 billion in Tamar gas field and exploring offshore Block I.

Azerbaijan is cementing its role as a regional energy hub by integrating Israel into a broader Middle East–Europe energy network. Its state-owned energy firm, SOCAR, will begin supplying 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Syria via Turkey, with 1.2 BCM earmarked for Aleppo and Homs starting August 2025. This marks a rare export route into Syria, expanding Azerbaijan’s reach beyond the Caucasus.

Israel’s strategic position and infrastructure now serve as a critical connector for energy flows from Azerbaijan through Turkey and Syria, establishing a transregional corridor linking Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe.

SOCAR has also acquired a 10% stake in Israel’s Tamar offshore gas field for approximately USD 1.25 billion (advised by Arnon, Tadmor Levy), and secured exploration rights in Block I of Israel’s Exclusive Economic Zone in partnership with BP and NewMed Energy.

Azerbaijan’s natural gas exports totaled 25.2 BCM in 2024, contributing to a 5.8% rise in energy revenues. This strategic cooperation with Israel boosts Baku’s influence in global energy markets, reinforcing its position as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Read more in Globes.

 

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U.S. Hits Israeli Imports with 15% Tariff https://israeldesks.com/u-s-hits-israeli-imports-with-15-tariff/ https://israeldesks.com/u-s-hits-israeli-imports-with-15-tariff/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:49:41 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8222 The United States has imposed a 15% tariff on imports from Israel, effective August 7, 2025, as part of its broader global trade realignment. While lower than the initially proposed 17%, the rate exceeds the 10% that was under discussion between the two governments. The decision follows months of negotiations that ended without a final […]

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The United States has imposed a 15% tariff on imports from Israel, effective August 7, 2025, as part of its broader global trade realignment.

While lower than the initially proposed 17%, the rate exceeds the 10% that was under discussion between the two governments. The decision follows months of negotiations that ended without a final accord.

Despite the tariff hike, Israel’s Ministry of Finance emphasized that the 15% rate is the lowest imposed on any country with a U.S. trade deficit, underscoring the partial success of ongoing diplomatic engagement. The Israeli government remains concerned, however, about the potential impact on its export sector.

With Israeli exports to the U.S. totaling approximately USD 14 billion in 2024, and imports reaching USD 8.6 billion, the new tariff could affect up to 26,000 manufacturing jobs. The move signals a shift in U.S. trade priorities with key allies.

Read more in Globes.

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Spotlight: Fladgate https://israeldesks.com/spotlight-fladgate/ https://israeldesks.com/spotlight-fladgate/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:44:50 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8219 With over 260 years of history, Fladgate LLP is a prominent London‑based law firm practicing across corporate, real estate, dispute resolution, private client, and regulatory sectors. It has developed a specialized Israel Desk with Hebrew‑speaking and dual‑qualified lawyers, supporting Israeli companies in transactions such as listings on the London Stock Exchange and real estate investments […]

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With over 260 years of history, Fladgate LLP is a prominent London‑based law firm practicing across corporate, real estate, dispute resolution, private client, and regulatory sectors. It has developed a specialized Israel Desk with Hebrew‑speaking and dual‑qualified lawyers, supporting Israeli companies in transactions such as listings on the London Stock Exchange and real estate investments in the UK.

This week, we were delighted to get know London Corporate partner Orit Rioumine Gold a little better, an active member of the firm’s Israel Desk.

Fladgate’s work relating to Israel spans several key fields, including corporate, M&A, capital markets, real estate, dispute resolution, private wealth and more, what kinds of transactions have you been seeing and experiencing lately?

We currently see Israeli companies and founders setting up in, or expanding operations into, the UK. This trend is particularly strong in the UK technology space, where Israeli innovation finds fertile ground for collaboration and further growth.

We also see Israeli businesses partnering with UK-based corporates and institutions. Good examples are Israeli health-tech companies introducing advance technology solutions to the NHS, joint ventures in the green energy space, commercial partnerships in fintech and insure-tech and more.

Private M&A and inbound investment into UK-based companies, projects and assets remain active across a variety of sectors, including real estate, hospitality, green energy, consumer goods and technology.

How do you tailor your advice to Israeli companies expanding into or transacting with the UK market?

We have a number of fluent Hebrew speakers in our team, some of whom are dual qualified and have on-the-ground experience of working in Israel. Having acted on numerous UK – Israel transactions over 30 years, our team has in-depth legal and commercial understanding of the Israeli and UK markets and respective business culture.

We use this experience to understand our clients’ unique needs and objectives, bridge cultural differences, foster collaboration and help our clients to achieve their commercial goals.

What personal goals do you have for the future development of the Israel Practice?

Our personal goal is to continue helping Israeli businesses set up, expand into and transact in the UK. We want to work closely with Israeli businesses and individuals in bringing Israeli innovation into the UK and facilitating growth.

After a particularly challenging time in the past few years in Israel, which sectors – for you – have seen resilience, and why?

Israeli tech sector has shown remarkable resilience in the last 18 months or so, with growing commercial activity, despite the challenges. M&A and inbound investment into the UK has also remained strong, with transactions across real estate, hospitality, green energy, consumer goods and technology.

Your role must be extraordinarily busy – how do you switch off best outside of the law?

I enjoy walking, cycling and reading, but most of all, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

 

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Pacific Oak SOR Restructures USD 300M in TASE Bonds https://israeldesks.com/pacific-oak-sor-restructures-usd-300m-in-tase-bonds/ https://israeldesks.com/pacific-oak-sor-restructures-usd-300m-in-tase-bonds/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:40:14 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8217 Chapman and Cutler has been selected as US legal counsel to Reznik Paz Nevo Trusts, acting as indenture trustee for the bondholders of Pacific Oak SOR (BVI) Holdings, in the restructuring of approximately USD 300 million (NIS 1 billion) in bonds listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The bonds were issued by Pacific Oak […]

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Chapman and Cutler has been selected as US legal counsel to Reznik Paz Nevo Trusts, acting as indenture trustee for the bondholders of Pacific Oak SOR (BVI) Holdings, in the restructuring of approximately USD 300 million (NIS 1 billion) in bonds listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

The bonds were issued by Pacific Oak SOR (BVI) Holdings, a BVI-based company and investor in US real estate.

Reznik Paz Nevo Trusts is an Israeli trustee company that specializes in managing bondholder interests for securities listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

The transaction involves significant cross-border coordination as stakeholders work to restructure the debt and stabilize Pacific Oak’s obligations to Israeli investors.

Michael Friedman, partner and head of Chapman’s Israel Practice, led the matter, with Erdinast Ben Nathan Toledano acting as local counsel.

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Axonius Buys Israeli Medtech Cybersecurity Startup Cynerio https://israeldesks.com/axonius-buys-israeli-medtech-cybersecurity-startup-cynerio/ https://israeldesks.com/axonius-buys-israeli-medtech-cybersecurity-startup-cynerio/#respond Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:38:07 +0000 https://israeldesks.com/?p=8214 Axonius, a US-based cybersecurity company specializing in asset management and security solutions, has acquired Israeli startup Cynerio, a leader in medical device cybersecurity for healthcare systems. This acquisition strengthens Axonius’ position in the rapidly evolving healthtech sector by integrating Cynerio’s expertise in securing connected medical devices across hospitals and clinics. The transaction highlights the growing […]

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Axonius, a US-based cybersecurity company specializing in asset management and security solutions, has acquired Israeli startup Cynerio, a leader in medical device cybersecurity for healthcare systems.

This acquisition strengthens Axonius’ position in the rapidly evolving healthtech sector by integrating Cynerio’s expertise in securing connected medical devices across hospitals and clinics.

The transaction highlights the growing intersection of cybersecurity and healthcare technology as providers seek robust defenses against increasing cyber threats..

Herzog advised Cynerio on the deal, with Yair Geva, Janet Pahima, and Lior Katz leading the legal team, supported by Nesimyan Adawi, Rasha Zoabi, and Danielle Yagen Katz.

Latham & Watkins and Goldfarb Gross Seligman advised the buyer, Axonius

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