Global organization finds 'socioeconomic gaps remain wide,' says Haredi and Arab communities underrepresented in high tech; also criticizes renewable energy efforts

Cost of living index shows price levels in Israel last year were 38% higher than in member countries of the OECD

International economic organization slightly lowers Israeli GDP forecast to 2.9% in 2023 and 3.3% in 2024, notes underperformance of shekel and local stock market

Finance minister participating in OECD gathering, but turned down for meetings with local counterparts; heads of three Jewish groups said to also rebuff Religious Zionism chief

Country behind on climate targets, has increased subsidies for fossil fuels, has the lowest level of renewable energy in 38-member club, highest rate of threatened native mammals

Jewish state scores worse than Turkey, and over twice as bad as UK and France; director of government group to advance women's rights urges thorough examination by relevant bodies

GDP projected to grow at a more gradual pace, around 3%, in 2023 amid global and domestic uncertainty; unemployment rate will rise to 4.3% at the end of the year

The Economist says country did well despite political upheaval; exports to grow to record high of over $160b this year, with services, including tech, outpacing goods for 2nd year

Organization says Israeli high-tech sector continues to show strength, but Ukraine war could affect economy through persistent inflation and lower demand from trading partners

Mathias Cormann, secretary-general of the 38-member economic organization, tells cabinet meeting that cutting red tape, tackling gaps key to economic performance