K A S H R U T . C O M_©

July 20, 2026: from the VinNews

"A malfunction in an advanced foreign-made production system that led to a shortage of Tnuva cottage cheese has highlighted a much larger challenge confronting Israeli industry. Manufacturers across the country report growing difficulties in bringing foreign technicians to Israel, as many specialists are refusing to travel to install, service, or repair critical industrial equipment.

"A review by Ynet found that the problem extends across nearly every major manufacturing sector. Israeli factories rely heavily on imported machinery, making overseas technicians essential not only for installing new production lines but also for maintaining existing operations in industries ranging from steel and plastics to food production, including facilities that manufacture goods for export.

"According to manufacturers, Israel’s international isolation is increasingly affecting day-to-day industrial operations. Many companies say foreign firms classify Israel as a war zone, preventing technicians from obtaining insurance coverage for work assignments in the country. In Italy, however, some manufacturers report that labor unions are refusing to allow their members to travel to Israel regardless of insurance considerations.

"He added that Israel manufactures very little of the specialized machinery used by its factories, leaving the country heavily dependent on overseas suppliers.

"Theimpact on manufacturing represents one of the less visible economic costs of the war. “Manufacturing has been hit extremely hard, and the country will pay for it in the future,” he said. “Some companies are seeing production disrupted, while others are deciding to build new lines abroad.”

"training Israeli technicians is ultimately necessary, he acknowledged there is currently no comprehensive solution. “Israeli teams need to be trained, but for now there is no solution. Manufacturers that cannot find some kind of workaround are left with a machine that simply does not operate."