Tel Aviv 35 Index Rises 0.5%, Bank Leumi and Hapoalim Lead

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange kept its recovery going Thursday. The TA-35 rose 0.49% to 4,142.12 points. The TA-125 added 0.52% to 4,098.21. Bank Leumi and Bank Hapoalim, the two largest Israeli banks, led the advance. Defense stocks also contributed to the gains.

Bank Leumi and Bank Hapoalim are the two largest components of the TA-35. Their combined weight means their performance heavily influences the index. Both banks have been gaining in recent sessions. The banking sector as a whole rose, with other lenders also posting gains.

Defense contractors added to the upward momentum. Companies such as Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems, major players in the global defense industry, saw their shares rise. The defense sector has been a consistent performer, supported by government contracts and export demand.

The recovery follows a pullback that had pushed the TA-35 below the 4,100 level earlier in the week. Thursday's session erased those losses and brought the index back above 4,140. The move was broad-based, with advancing stocks outpacing decliners. Trading volume was in line with the 30-day average.

The TA-35 closed at 4,142.12, its highest level in the current week. The TA-125 closed at 4,098.21.