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TOP 20 Billionaires In Israel

Over the past decade, Israel has undergone a dramatic transformation in wealth creation, shifting from an economy based on traditional industries and shipping to a modern hub of high-tech innovation and digital entertainment. By 2025, the country had solidified its reputation as a “start-up nation,” producing billionaires who are leading the way in global sectors such as cybersecurity, gaming, and autonomous driving. This article explores the stories of Israel’s top twenty billionaires, detailing how they built their empires and where they are investing their wealth today.

1. Eyal Ofer

In 2025, Eyal Ofer remains Israel’s wealthiest individual, with an estimated net worth of approximately $30.4 billion. As chairman of Ofer Global, he oversees a vast empire spanning shipping, real estate, and energy. His shipping company, Zodiac Group, boasts one of the world’s largest private fleets, operating over 180 vessels that traverse global trade routes. Ofer is known for his deep understanding of maritime markets, which has enabled him to expand his fleet during market downturns strategically.

Beyond shipping, Ofer also has a significant presence in international real estate through his New York-based firm, Global Holdings. His portfolio includes some of Manhattan’s most prestigious addresses, such as 15 Central Park West, often considered one of the most successful residential projects in history. In 2025, his investments are increasingly shifting towards renewable energy and digital infrastructure, reflecting a broader trend among global tycoons to future-proof their wealth. Ofer is also a renowned art collector and philanthropist who supports various cultural and educational institutions through the Eyal and Marilyn Ofer Family Foundation. His ability to balance traditional tangible assets with forward-looking investments has kept him at the top of the Israeli wealth rankings for years.

2. Idan Ofer

Eyal’s younger brother, Idan Ofer, has an estimated net worth of approximately $22.5 billion in 2025. While his brother has focused heavily on real estate, Idan has carved out a niche in the energy and mining sectors through Quantum Pacific Group and Kenon Holdings. He is a major shareholder in Israel Corporation, which has interests in fertilizers, specialty chemicals, and transportation. His energy ventures are particularly known for their focus on the transition to cleaner fuels, including investments in power plants and automotive technology.

One of Idan Ofer’s most significant assets is Eastern Pacific Shipping, a Singapore-based company with a fleet of over 200 vessels. He has also made his mark in professional sports, holding a 32% stake in Spanish football giant Atlético Madrid and a controlling interest in Portuguese club FC Famalicão. In 2025, Ofer has been actively expanding his technology portfolio, particularly through ventures related to maritime decarbonization. His business strategy is characterized by high-level diversification and a willingness to operate in challenging global markets. Together with his wife, Batia, he manages the Idan and Batia Ofer Foundation, which supports a variety of social and educational causes worldwide.

3. Dmitri Bukhman

Dmitry Bukhman is part of the duo that founded Playrix, one of the world’s most successful mobile gaming companies. By 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $9.8 billion. Originally from Russia, Dmitry and his brother Igor relocated their operations to Ireland and later became Israeli citizens, contributing significantly to the country’s tech-based wealth. Playrix has created blockbuster hit games such as Fishdom, Gardenscapes, and Homescapes, which consistently rank among the highest-grossing apps in app stores.

Dmitry’s role in the company focuses on product strategy and the long-term vision for the Playrix ecosystem. Unlike many other tech giants, Playrix remained a private company for many years, allowing the Bukhman brothers to maintain complete control without the pressures of the public market. In 2025, Dmitry played a key role in Playrix’s expansion into educational gaming and AI-driven content creation. He is known for his disciplined approach to business, emphasizing sustainable growth over rapid, capital-intensive acquisitions. The rise of the Bukhman brothers is a classic example of how the digital economy can generate immense wealth from a small, self-funded startup. Dmitry maintains a relatively private life in London but remains a prominent figure in the Israeli tech community.

4. Igor Bukhman

Playrix co-founder and Dmitry’s brother, Igor Bukhman, also has a net worth of $9.8 billion. Together, the two brothers have built a gaming empire that generates billions of dollars in annual revenue through a free-to-play model with in-app purchases. Igor has been a driving force behind the company’s technical scaling, ensuring that their games remain easily accessible and engaging for millions of users worldwide. Playrix’s success is often attributed to its data-driven approach to game design and its ability to retain players for years.

In 2025, Igor became more involved in venture capital, investing his personal wealth in early-stage startups in artificial intelligence and digital health. The Bukhman brothers are frequently cited among the wealthiest individuals in the gaming industry outside of the United States and China. Their story is one of remarkable perseverance, beginning with a small apartment in Vologda and culminating in the management of a global workforce of over 3,000 employees. Igor’s presence in Israel has been welcomed as a boost to the local tech ecosystem, as he continues to mentor and invest in the next generation of Israeli developers. He is particularly focused on the intersection of gaming and social connectivity, believing that the future of entertainment lies in community-building platforms.

5. Yuri Milner

Yuri Milner is one of the most influential technology investors of his generation, with a net worth of approximately $5.9 billion as of 2025. An Israeli-Russian entrepreneur, Milner rose to prominence through his firm DST Global, which made highly successful early-stage investments in companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, and Airbnb. His investment philosophy is based on “late-stage venture,” in which he provides substantial capital to companies that have already demonstrated market leadership. This strategy has enabled him to participate in some of the most lucrative tech IPOs in history.

By 2025, Milner had shifted much of his focus and capital towards fundamental science and space exploration. He is the founder of the Breakthrough Initiatives, which include projects to search for extraterrestrial intelligence and send miniature spacecraft to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri. Milner is a signatory of the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes. In recent years, he has publicly spoken out against geopolitical instability, renounced his Russian citizenship, and focused his efforts on global scientific advancement. His home in Israel serves as a hub for his philanthropic and investment activities, as he continues to support Israeli startups that address complex global challenges through deep-tech innovation.

6. Teddy Sagi

Teddy Sagi is a successful entrepreneur and real estate mogul with a net worth of $7.1 billion as of 2025. He initially amassed his fortune by founding Playtech, a world-leading company that develops software for the online gambling industry. After taking the company public and eventually selling his shares, Sagi diversified his investments into cybersecurity, payments, and high-end real estate. He owns Camden Market in London, a major tourist attraction and retail hub, which he modernized with significant investments.

In 2025, Sagi’s business interests are managed through his family office, Globe Invest. He has become a major player in the cybersecurity sector through Kape Technologies, which owns several popular VPN services. Sagi is known for his ability to identify undervalued assets and transform them through digital integration. He has also expanded into the co-working sector with the LABS brand, which provides premium office spaces in London and other major cities. Despite his global business reach, Sagi maintains strong ties to Israel, where he frequently invests in the local high-tech sector. His lifestyle often attracts media attention, but his business acumen is widely respected for its versatility and focus on high-growth digital industries.

7. Stef Wertheimer & Family

Stef Wertheimer was a prominent figure in Israeli industry, often considered the father of the country’s modern manufacturing sector. Although he passed away in early 2025 at the age of 98, his family continues to manage an estimated fortune of $7.6 billion. Wertheimer founded Iscar Metalworking, a precision tool company that grew from a small shed into a global powerhouse. The company’s success was so significant that Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway acquired it in two stages for a total of $6 billion, one of Buffett’s rare international acquisitions.

The Wertheimer family is known not only for its wealth but also for pioneering the concept of the “industrial park” in Israel. Stef believed that industry could serve as a bridge to peace, and he established several parks in the Galilee and Negev to promote coexistence between Jews and Arabs. These parks provide employment and training in high-tech manufacturing, serving as a model for regional development. In 2025, the family remains active in philanthropic endeavors, with a focus on vocational education and industrial innovation. Their legacy is a testament to the power of traditional manufacturing when combined with precision engineering and a strong social mission. They remain one of the most respected families in the Israeli business community.

8. Shari Arison

Shari Arison is one of Israel’s most prominent businesswomen and philanthropists, with a net worth of approximately $6 billion in 2025. She inherited the Arison Group from her father, Ted Arison, the founder of Carnival Corp. Over the years, she has managed a diverse portfolio that included significant stakes in Bank Hapoalim, one of Israel’s largest banks, and Shikun & Binui, a major infrastructure company. Arison is known for her “doing good” philosophy, which she has integrated into her business operations through various sustainability initiatives.

In 2025, Arison shifted towards a more liquid portfolio by selling her controlling stakes in several major Israeli companies to focus on global impact investing. She is the founder of International Good Deeds Day, a global movement that encourages people to volunteer and help others. Her wealth is now primarily invested in green technology, water desalination, and renewable energy projects. Arison has authored several books on the intersection of business and spirituality, advocating for a more conscious approach to wealth management. She remains a significant figure in the Israeli social landscape, using her resources through the Ted Arison Family Foundation to promote education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

9. Yitzhak Tshuva

Yitzhak Tshuva is a classic “rags to riches” story, rising from humble beginnings to become one of Israel’s leading energy and real estate tycoons. In 2025, his net worth is estimated at $4.9 billion. Tshuva is the controlling shareholder of the Delek Group, which played a pivotal role in the discovery and development of Israel’s massive offshore natural gas fields, Leviathan and Tamar. These discoveries transformed Israel into a regional energy exporter and significantly boosted Tshuva’s fortune.

Despite significant financial challenges amid global energy market volatility in recent years, Tshuva made a remarkable recovery by 2025. He sold non-core assets, including luxury hotels such as the Plaza in New York, to reduce debt and focus on his energy empire. Beyond gas, his El-Ad Group remains a significant force in the North American residential and commercial real estate markets. Tshuva is known for his tenacity and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. He is also a generous philanthropist, providing thousands of scholarships to Israeli students and supporting various community projects. His journey reflects the volatility and opportunities of the global energy sector, and his current position attests to the resilience of his business.

10. Michael Federmann & Family

Michael Federmann is the chairman and majority owner of Federmann Enterprises, a diversified group with interests in defense, hospitality, and real estate. His net worth is estimated at $7.4 billion in 2025. The primary source of his wealth is Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest publicly traded defense contractor. Elbit is a global leader in drones, electronic warfare, and aerospace technology, with contracts spanning dozens of countries. Under Federmann’s guidance, the company has experienced consistent growth as global demand for advanced security technology has increased.

The Federmann family also owns the Dan Hotels chain, one of Israel’s most prestigious hotel groups. Their properties include the historic King David Hotel in Jerusalem, a frequent destination for world leaders and celebrities. In 2025, Michael Federmann oversaw a significant expansion of the Dan brand, including the opening of new properties in international markets. He is known for his conservative and long-term approach to business, prioritizing stability and consistent growth over aggressive speculation. The family is also deeply involved in cultural philanthropy, supporting the Israel Museum and various educational institutions. Michael’s son, David Federmann, is increasingly active in managing the family’s assets, ensuring a smooth leadership transition within one of Israel’s most influential industrial dynasties.

11. Shaul Shani

Shaul Shani is a low-profile yet highly successful tech investor with a net worth of $3 billion in 2025. He is best known for his extraordinary success in the telecommunications sector, particularly with the Brazilian company GVT (Global Village Telecom). Shani founded GVT and later sold it to the French media giant Vivendi for $4.5 billion, a deal that remains one of the most profitable exits in the history of Israeli entrepreneurship. His ability to identify and scale infrastructure opportunities in emerging markets is widely admired.

Currently, Shani operates through his investment firm, Swarth Group. In 2025, his portfolio includes significant stakes in various technology and communication companies, as well as renewable energy projects. He is a key investor in ECI Telecom, a provider of networking equipment, and has been active in the Israeli cybersecurity and AI sectors. Shani is known for his hands-on approach, often taking a direct role in the strategic direction of the companies in which he invests. He maintains a very private personal life, rarely giving interviews or appearing in the media. This “silent” approach has not diminished his influence, as he remains a significant force in the global tech investment landscape, particularly at the intersection of digital infrastructure and sustainable energy.

12. Arnon Milchan

Arnon Milchan is a world-renowned film producer and businessman with a net worth of $3.3 billion in 2025. He is the founder of Regency Enterprises, the production company behind some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, including Pretty Woman, Fight Club, L.A. Confidential, and 12 Years an enslaved person. Milchan’s influence in the global media landscape is immense, having produced over 130 motion pictures and won multiple Academy Awards. His career has spanned decades, during which he built deep connections in both the entertainment and political worlds.

Beyond Hollywood, Milchan has a diverse business background spanning agriculture, telecommunications, and aerospace. In 2025, he remains a significant figure in the Israeli media sector through his holdings in various broadcasting networks. Milchan is also a major art collector, owning works by some of the world’s most famous painters. His personal life has often been as dramatic as his films, with accounts of his past involvement in international intelligence activities adding to his mystique. Despite his global reach, Milchan remains deeply connected to Israel, often hosting high-level events and supporting various charitable organisations. His wealth reflects his ability to bridge the worlds of the creative arts and global business, making him one of the most distinctive figures on the Israeli billionaire list.

13. David Wertheim

David Wertheim is a central figure in Israel’s consumer-goods and banking sectors, with a net worth of $3.7 billion as of 2025. He is the majority shareholder of the Central Bottling Company (CBC), which is the exclusive franchise holder for Coca-Cola in Israel. CBC has expanded significantly under his leadership, acquiring various beverage and dairy brands and establishing a presence in international markets like Turkey and Romania. The company is known for its highly efficient distribution network and its dominant market share in the Israeli beverage industry.

In addition to his retail interests, Wertheim is a major shareholder in Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank, one of Israel’s largest financial institutions. He also holds significant stakes in real estate through the Alony Hetz investment firm. In 2025, David Wertheim was active in modernising CBC’s operations, investing heavily in sustainable packaging and green manufacturing processes. He is a relatively private individual, focusing his energy on the strategic expansion of his family’s business empire. His wealth is anchored in the daily consumption habits of millions of people, providing a stable foundation that is less susceptible to the volatility of the tech sector. He is also a notable philanthropist, supporting healthcare and education through the Wertheim family foundation.

14. Shlomo Kramer

Shlomo Kramer is a pioneer of the Israeli cybersecurity industry, with a net worth of $2.4 billion in 2025. He was one of the early co-founders of Check Point Software Technologies, the company that established Israel’s reputation as a global hub for cybersecurity. Following his success with Check Point, Kramer founded and invested in several other major security firms, including Imperva and Cato Networks. He is often referred to as the “godfather” of Israeli cybertech, having mentored dozens of entrepreneurs who went on to build their own successful companies.

By 2025, Kramer’s current venture, Cato Networks, had become a leader in the SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) market, providing cloud-native security and networking solutions for global enterprises. His investment philosophy is grounded in a deep understanding of the technical challenges facing the digital world, enabling him to identify emerging threats before they become mainstream. Kramer is a frequent angel investor in early-stage startups, particularly those focused on AI-driven security and data privacy. His contributions to the Israeli economy extend far beyond his personal wealth; he has played a crucial role in creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of innovation that continues to attract billions in foreign investment. He remains a highly sought-after advisor and an influential figure in the global cybersecurity landscape.

15. Shmuel Harlap

Shmuel Harlap is a prominent figure in the Israeli automotive and investment sectors, with a net worth of $2.4 billion as of 2025. He is the chairman and majority shareholder of Colmobil, Israel’s largest automotive importer. Colmobil represents major global brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi, and has a dominant presence in both the private and commercial vehicle markets. Harlap’s wealth has grown alongside the expansion of the Israeli economy and the increasing demand for high-end and electric vehicles.

In addition to his automotive business, Harlap was an early and significant investor in Mobileye, the Israeli autonomous driving technology company that Intel acquired for $15.3 billion. This investment provided him with a massive capital boost, which he has since used to diversify into various tech and real estate ventures. In 2025, Harlap focuses on the transition to electric and autonomous mobility, investing in startups developing next-generation transport infrastructure. He is known for his strategic foresight and his ability to identify long-term trends in the global economy. Harlap is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting higher education and scientific research in Israel. His business success is a blend of traditional retail excellence and savvy high-tech investing.

16. Adam Neumann

Adam Neumann is the co-founder and former CEO of WeWork, widely regarded as having disrupted the global office space market. Despite the highly publicised challenges during WeWork’s attempt to go public, Neumann emerged with a personal fortune that remains estimated at $2.3 billion in 2025. His story is among the most discussed in modern business, representing both the extreme heights and the volatility of the venture-backed tech sector. Since leaving WeWork, Neumann has focused on new ventures that aim to revolutionise the residential living experience.

In 2025, Neumann is the driving force behind “Flow”, a residential real estate startup that has received significant backing from leading venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz. Flow aims to develop a more community-focused, flexible living model for the modern workforce, leveraging Neumann’s experience in the co-working sector. He has also been active in investing in climate tech and various Israeli startups through his family office. Despite his past controversies, Neumann remains a charismatic and visionary entrepreneur with a knack for raising massive amounts of capital. The industry is closely watching his current projects, as he attempts to build a second multi-billion-dollar empire. He continues to reside in both Israel and the United States, maintaining significant influence on the global startup ecosystem.

17. Liora Ofer

Liora Ofer is a prominent Israeli businesswoman and the chairperson of Melisron, one of the nation’s largest real estate companies. Her net worth in 2025 is estimated at $3 billion. Liora inherited her father, Yuli Ofer’s stake in the family business after a well-publicised legal battle for control. Under her leadership, Melisron has consolidated its position as a dominant player in the Israeli shopping mall and office sector, owning iconic properties such as the Ramat Aviv Mall and various “Ofer” branded malls across the country.

In 2025, Liora successfully navigated the shift toward digital retail by integrating advanced technology and experience-based services into her malls. She has also expanded Melisron’s portfolio into residential development and high-tech office parks. Liora is known for her disciplined management style and her ability to maintain high occupancy rates even during economic downturns. She is a prominent figure in the Israeli business community, serving on several boards and advocating for women’s leadership in the corporate sector. Beyond business, she is a committed philanthropist, supporting arts, culture, and social welfare programs through the Ofer family’s various charitable initiatives. Her success is a testament to her ability to adapt traditional real estate assets to the needs of contemporary consumers.

18. Zadik Bino & Family

Zadik Bino is a highly respected figure in the Israeli banking and energy sectors, with a family net worth of approximately $2 billion in 2025. Bino’s career is a classic example of professional success leading to entrepreneurship. He began as a bank clerk and later became the CEO of First International Bank of Israel (FIBI). He later acquired a controlling stake in the bank, turning it into one of the most profitable and stable financial institutions in the country.

In addition to banking, Bino owns Paz Oil Company, Israel’s largest energy group. Paz operates a massive network of petrol stations and convenience stores, as well as a refinery and various energy infrastructure assets. In 2025, Bino oversaw Paz’s transition to renewable energy, including the installation of electric-vehicle charging networks at its stations. He is known for his conservative financial management and his focus on long-term value creation. The Bino family is also involved in various real estate developments in Israel and Europe. Zadik Bino is a low-profile billionaire who values discretion and professional excellence. His wealth is built on the essential pillars of the economy, finance, and energy, providing a steady and reliable source of capital for future generations of his family.

19. Oren Zeev

Oren Zeev is one of the most successful and unique venture capitalists in Israel, with a net worth of $2.2 billion in 2025. Unlike traditional VC firms with large teams and complex structures, Zeev operates mainly as a “one-man show” through his firm Zeev Ventures. He is known for his extraordinary ability to identify transformative startups at an early stage and provide them with significant capital and strategic guidance. His portfolio includes some of the biggest names in the Israeli and global tech scenes, such as Houzz, Tipalti, Next Insurance, and TripActions (now Navan).

In 2025, Zeev remains a dominant force in the fintech and SaaS (Software as a Service) sectors. His investment style is characterised by long-term commitment; he often stays on the boards of his portfolio companies for many years, even after they go public. Zeev is highly regarded for his contrarian thinking and his willingness to make bold bets on unconventional founders. His success has made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the venture capital world, proving that a lean and focused approach can outperform much larger institutions. Despite his wealth, he remains deeply connected to the startup community, frequently mentoring founders and participating in early-stage funding rounds.

20. Amnon Shashua

Amnon Shashua is a world-renowned scientist, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Mobileye, a global leader in autonomous driving and driver-assistance systems. His net worth in 2025 is estimated at $1.5 billion, although this figure fluctuates based on the performance of his various tech ventures. Shashua is widely considered one of the leading minds in artificial intelligence and computer vision. After Intel acquired Mobileye for a record-breaking sum, Shashua continued to serve as CEO, guiding the company through its subsequent IPO as a standalone entity.

In addition to Mobileye, Shashua is the co-founder of OrCam, which develops wearable AI devices for the visually impaired, and One Zero, Israel’s first fully digital bank. His vision is to use AI to solve fundamental human problems, from transport safety to financial accessibility. In 2025, Shashua is at the forefront of the global push for fully autonomous vehicles, with Mobileye’s technology being integrated into millions of cars worldwide. He is also a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he continues to conduct research and teach the next generation of AI experts. His contribution to Israeli technology is unparalleled, as he has not only built multiple billion-dollar companies but also established Israel as a global centre for AI research and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which industry produces the most billionaires in Israel?

While traditional sectors like shipping and real estate remain significant, the high-tech industry is currently the fastest-growing source of billionaire wealth in Israel. Cybersecurity, mobile gaming, and autonomous vehicle technology have minted several new billionaires in the last decade.

Who is the richest person in Israel in 2025?

Eyal Ofer is the wealthiest person in Israel, with a fortune anchored in global shipping and prime Manhattan real estate. His brother, Idan Ofer, ranks second with a substantial portfolio in energy and mining.

Are there many self-made billionaires in Israel?

Yes, a high percentage of Israel’s billionaires are self-made. Individuals like Dmitri and Igor Bukhman (Playrix), Shlomo Kramer (Check Point), and Amnon Shashua (Mobileye) built their wealth from the ground up through innovation and entrepreneurship.

How do Israeli billionaires contribute to the local economy?

Beyond creating thousands of jobs through their companies, many Israeli billionaires are active venture capitalists who reinvest their wealth into the local startup ecosystem. They are also major philanthropists, supporting hospitals, universities, and social programs.

What is the role of the "Start-up Nation" in this wealth creation?

The "Start-up Nation" culture fosters a high tolerance for risk and a focus on global markets. This has allowed Israeli entrepreneurs to scale their companies rapidly and achieve multibillion-dollar exits, which are then used to fund further innovation.