Organized crime costs Israel's economy around NIS 23 billion per year, data shows
The findings indicate that one of the central factors in the rise in the cost of living in Israel is widespread criminal activity across the agriculture, construction, and housing industries
Assessment
Organized crime is now quantified as a major economic drag on Israel, with an annual cost of NIS 23 billion. The data directly links criminal activity in agriculture, construction, and housing to the rising cost of living, suggesting that illicit markets are inflating prices for everyday goods and housing. This shifts the conversation about economic hardship from policy alone to the structural impact of crime. Watch for whether law enforcement or regulatory bodies announce targeted actions in these specific industries.