Some 9,500 employees laid off from Israeli hi-tech firms in first half of 2026, consultant says
Career consultant Hayut Yogev estimates that 65% of laid-off employees will seek another hi-tech position, while senior executives could take up to a year to find work.
In the first half of 2026, a staggering 9,500 employees were laid off across Israeli hi-tech, technology, and startup firms, as reported by career consultant Hayut Yogev. Software developers, quality assurance engineers, product managers, marketing specialists, and customer support professionals were among the hardest-hit groups. A survey of 100 laid-off individuals revealed that 30% were uncertain about staying in the industry due to AI's rapid growth and potential for more job losses.
Yogev predicts that 65% of the laid-off workers would seek similar positions within the hi-tech sector, while 20% would transition to a completely different profession or industry, with some even considering self-employment. However, senior employees face an even more challenging job market, with many struggling to find roles that match their previous seniority and compensation. In some cases, they may need to accept lower-paying positions or move to smaller companies.
Among senior managers, fewer than half are expected to secure another hi-tech job with comparable pay and benefits. About 10% may need to pursue a complete career change. Financial considerations loom large for senior hi-tech executives, many of whom had reached exceptionally high salary levels.
Finding new employment typically takes time, with 30% of laid-off employees securing a new position within one to two months, and half finding one within three months. The rest either require a longer job search or opt to transition to a different profession. Yogev notes that the process is likely to extend further, with job searches possibly lasting up to a year, particularly for managers, especially those holding C-level positions.
For those contemplating a career change, identifying a profession that aligns with their skills, strengths, and interests can be particularly challenging, given the significantly higher salaries in the hi-tech sector compared to other industries.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post Tech & Start-Ups's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
