Israel war prompts relocation requests from Microsoft, Intel, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta and Apple staff

Employees at the Israel offices of major technology companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta and Apple are increasingly asking to move overseas, according to a new report.

As per Reuters, a study by the Israel Advanced Technology Industries Association (IATI) found that 53% of companies have seen a rise in relocation requests from Israeli staff. These requests are largely from senior executives and employees with families, who are seeking to pursue opportunities in other global technology hubs.

The report warned that this is “a trend that may, over time, harm the local innovation engine and Israel's technological leadership”.


The findings are significant given the central role of the high-tech sector in Israel’s economy. The industry contributes around 20% of the country’s GDP, provides 15% of jobs and accounts for more than half of Israel’s total exports.

Why do these employees want to relocate?

According to IATI, the growing desire to relocate is linked to Israel’s two-year war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel, and came to a pause two months ago after a US-led ceasefire agreement.

Israel is home to hundreds of research, development and operational centres run by multinational corporations. However, IATI cautioned that without a return to geopolitical and regulatory stability, the country’s technology ecosystem could weaken further.

In its annual report, the industry body said several multinationals are now reviewing whether to move investments and business activities to other countries. About 22% of companies reported that their operations were negatively affected during the war.

Some companies that experienced disruption during the conflict were able to shift work to locations outside Israel. The report warned that there is a risk some of these activities may not fully return, even after hostilities have ended.

Despite these concerns, the report also highlighted signs of resilience within the sector. Around 57% of companies said their business operations remained stable throughout the fighting, while 21% expanded their activities in Israel. IATI said this “indicates continued confidence in local activity and the Israeli ecosystem even under conditions of uncertainty”.

“Even during the difficult war, the Israeli high-tech industry, including the global companies operating in Israel, once again proved its resilience and its ability to lead in innovation and creativity,” said Karin Mayer Rubinstein, IATI CEO and President. “We work tirelessly to ensure that Israel continues to be an attractive hub for the activity of multinational companies.”