Google's biotech company pulls out of Israel but says Gaza war not the reason

Google's health and data company, Verily, is closing its operations in Israel three years after opening a research and development center in the country. Verily staff in Israel are expected to leave by the third quarter of 2024. The company cited an effort to refocus its strategy on core products and projects as the reason for the closure. "As part of our ongoing review of business needs, Verily has made the difficult decision to begin the process to close its R&D center in Israel located in both Haifa and Tel Aviv," a spokesperson for Verily said. "This decision is in keeping with our strategy as we continue to streamline our overall company operations."