Texas Set to Open Jerusalem Economic Office, Expanding Fast-Growing Partnership With Israel

Supporters describe the Jerusalem office as a strategic step tied to existing commercial relations rather than symbolic politics.

By Shula Rosen

Texas is preparing to finalize a decision on establishing its first permanent economic office in the Middle East — a Jerusalem-based outpost that state leaders say will anchor a long-developing commercial partnership with Israel, Israel Hayom reported.

The move follows a competitive process launched in late 2025 and is expected to be formally announced in the coming days, according to officials familiar with the plan.

The initiative stems from a November 2025 request for proposals issued under Gov. Greg Abbott’s Economic Development and Tourism Office.

Bids closed on January 6, and Texas is now positioned to select the group that will operate what is expected to become the State of Texas Israel Office.

The project marks a major expansion of Texas’ global footprint, which currently includes trade offices in Mexico and Taiwan.

Supporters describe the Jerusalem office as a strategic step tied to existing commercial relations rather than symbolic politics.

Trade between Texas and Israel already approaches $4 billion annually across sectors including energy, defense, water technology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.

David Yaari, CEO of the Texas Israel Partnership, told Israel HaYom the venture reflects the scale of opportunities already in motion.

“Texas has built the fastest-growing economy in the United States across multiple sectors,” he said, adding that the state’s collaborative business environment has drawn growing interest from Israelis.

He noted that more than 1,200 people move to Texas each day, calling the state “fertile ground to scale Israeli innovation.”

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israel’s special envoy for innovation and a former Jerusalem deputy mayor, welcomed the decision to place the office in Israel’s capital, describing it as “a gateway decision” that links one of the world’s largest economies to a leading global innovation hub.

Business leaders in Texas echoed that assessment. Massey Villarreal, former chairman of the Texas Association of Business, said Texas aims to deepen durable trade channels, adding, “Israel is not just a partner, it’s a multiplier.”

Institutional counterparts on both sides say the framework formalizes work that has been underway for years.

The BIRD Foundation’s Southern Region director, Anat Ben Yosef, said Israeli companies increasingly treat Texas as a main entry point to the US market, pointing to joint ventures in robotics, artificial intelligence, and energy.

Others see potential between financial markets as well. Commissioner Grant Moody of Bexar County said he expects opportunities to emerge around dual listings and cross-border investment involving the new Texas Stock Exchange in Dallas and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

Israeli officials voiced similar enthusiasm. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said the ties reflect “shared values and shared ambition,” recalling Governor Abbott’s solidarity visit after the October 7 attacks.

As Texas moves toward a final announcement, officials involved in the process say the new office will be judged by investment, partnerships, and long-term economic growth rather than ceremony, describing the coming decision as the formalization of a relationship already deeply rooted.