Overview

• Transport Minister Miri Regev approved a plan to allow ordinary drivers to carry paying passengers, ending the taxi-only restriction under Israel’s current regime.
• The ministry’s outline targets a first-quarter 2026 rollout for Uber services, with implementation rules still to be defined.
• Taxi organizations condemned the move, warning it would legitimize unlicensed drivers and urging lawmakers to impose the same training and regulatory burdens on ride-hail drivers.
• Industry leaders issued political threats and accused Regev of acting for electoral gain, including appeals to ultra-Orthodox voters.
• Haaretz says Uber has no plans to enter Israel and has made no formal application, while Regev has given initial approval and appointed a team to explore private car ride-hailing.