DayofPal—Israeli manufacturing companies are facing growing operational challenges as foreign technicians increasingly refuse to travel to Israel to install and maintain critical industrial equipment, according to a Bloomberg report.
The reluctance comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza and heightened security concerns, adding to the economic pressures already affecting Israeli industries.
The report says around 70% of the machinery and telecommunications equipment used in Israeli factories is imported and depends on foreign specialists for installation, maintenance, and repairs.
However, since 2023, many countries have classified Israel as a high-risk destination, prompting travel warnings, the cancellation of standard commercial insurance, and significantly higher costs for companies seeking to bring in overseas experts.
Bloomberg also notes that some labor unions, including unions in Italy, have declined to send technicians to Israel, citing political objections alongside security concerns.
The shortage has particularly affected the dairy, pharmaceutical, steel, aluminum, and industrial manufacturing sectors, where delays in servicing specialized equipment have disrupted production.
In an effort to keep operations running, Israeli companies have increasingly relied on remote technical support through video calls and advanced camera systems. Yet these processes often take months instead of weeks and can void manufacturers’ warranties when local staff perform installations without certified foreign technicians.
Bloomberg report adds that many companies are absorbing substantial expenses to secure high-risk insurance coverage and provide special accommodations for the limited number of technicians willing to travel.
Despite these efforts, some factories report production disruptions of between 20% and 30%, while local engineering teams continue to struggle with complex repairs that cannot be fully resolved without foreign expertise.
According to Bloomberg, the growing difficulties have also prompted some companies to relocate production lines or shift future investments abroad, reflecting the wider economic consequences of Israel’s prolonged war and increasing international isolation.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=76757
