Ted Cruz hails $3.2B in Israeli investment, 4,200 jobs created in Texas

Texas Senator Ted Cruz hailed a significant $3.2 billion investment from Israeli companies, which have created over 4,200 jobs across the state in 2024. The figures, based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, show that trade between Texas and Israel reached approximately $4 billion last year. Texas exported $757.9 million to Israel, while importing $3.2 billion.

This investment boom has expanded into various sectors, including AI, cyber, defense, water, and agriculture. Cruz emphasized the partnership, stating, "That's a partnership worth growing." Israeli companies have reported 34 investment projects in Texas over the last decade, leading to more than 4,200 new jobs.

In comparison, Texas companies made seven investment projects in Israel, investing $178.6 million and creating over 545 jobs. Israel ranks among the top sources of foreign investment in Texas, being the 19th-largest source for FDI projects and the 17th-largest for new jobs created by FDI. Texas, being the leading state for foreign direct investment in the USA over the last two decades, has welcomed Israeli companies like Nofar, Doral, Wiz, Elbit Systems, and Elliomay.

The Texas Governor's Office and Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office identified these companies as the top investors in the state over the past decade. The Israeli companies with the highest capital investment in Texas include Nofar, Doral, Wiz, Elbit Systems, Ellomay, Tower Semiconductor, Starplast, Incredo Sugar, Percepto, and BOS.

Now, Texas is exploring new opportunities in AI, cyber, defense, water, and agriculture. Senator Cruz noted that this partnership is expanding, benefiting both states. The State of Texas Israel Office was approved in 2025, with Texas currently in the process of establishing the office in Jerusalem, marking its first permanent economic outpost in the Middle East.