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Image A photo of Fuad Shukr, from a wanted poster released by the U.S. State Department. Rewards for Justice, via Associated PressIt was not immediately clear whether Mr. Shukr, also known by his nom de guerre al-Hajj Mohsin, survived the Israeli assassination attempt. Assaf Orion, a retired Israeli brigadier general, described Mr. Shukr as “an experienced veteran” who had worked intensively to develop Hezbollah’s precision-guided missile apparatus. Analysts say the munitions are a particular concern for Israeli military planners. “It’s kind of run by committee, but Fuad Shukr is more or less first among equals,” he said, adding that Mr. Shukr reported directly to Mr. Nasrallah.

Persons: Fuad Shukr, Shukr, guerre, Hajj Mohsin, ”, Hassan Nasrallah, Mustafa Badreddine, Assaf, Matthew Levitt, Mohanad Hage Ali, Mr, Levitt, “, Nasrallah, Ronen Bergman Organizations: U.S, U.S . State Department . Credit, Justice, Associated, The State Department, Hezbollah, Washington Institute for Near, Carnegie Middle East, Israel Locations: Beirut, Golan, Syria, American, Israeli, Lebanon

☆ Wiz ends talks with Google on $23 billion deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Wiz has ended talks with Google parent Alphabet on a proposed $23 billion deal in which the Israeli cybersecurity startup would have become the US tech giant’s largest ever acquisition, according to a Wiz memo seen by Reuters. Neither Alphabet (GOOGL) nor Wiz have officially acknowledged deal talks. The Wiz memo did not name Google or Alphabet. CNN reported earlier this month that Alphabet was in advanced talks to buy Wiz for roughly $23 billion, citing a person familiar with the matter. Discussions between Google and Wiz began after the startup raised $1 billion from venture capital investors earlier this year, the source said.

Persons: Assaf Rappaport, ” Rappaport, Wiz Organizations: Google, Reuters, Wiz, CNN

☆ Wiz is walking away from a $23 billion deal with Google
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Wiz doesn't want to be taken over by Google, the cybersecurity company's CEO wrote to employees on Monday. Instead of Google's $23 billion deal, Assaf Rappaport said the company wants to go public. Wiz walked away from a $23 billion deal to be acquired by the Big Tech giant, in what would have been Google's largest-ever deal. Instead, Wiz will move forward with plans to go public, CEO Assaf Rappaport told employees in a memo seen by several media outlets. He said he wants to get Wiz to $1 billion in annual recurring revenue — a key metric used by investors — and to an initial public offering.

Persons: doesn't, Assaf Rappaport, —, Wiz Organizations: Google, Service, Big Tech, Business

Wiz has walked away from a $23 billion deal to be acquired by Google, in what would have been the search giant's largest-ever deal, telling employees it would pursue an initial public offering as it initially planned. The deal would have nearly doubled the $12 billion valuation of the startup from its most recent round of funding. Alphabet's cloud segment has been under pressure to grow amid competition from frontrunners Microsoft and Amazon, something the Wiz deal would have helped with. The shift benefited Wiz, which can flag security issues for applications and data on the Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Oracle public clouds. In an interview with CNBC's Sara Eisen and Carl Quintanilla at the New York Stock Exchange last year, Eisen asked Rappaport if he wants to take the startup public.

Persons: Sundar Pichai, Wiz, Assaf Rappaport, Rappaport, Thomas Kurian, Brendan Burke, It's, Doug Leone, Covid, Sid Trivedi, CNBC's Sara Eisen, Carl Quintanilla, Eisen Organizations: Alphabet Inc, Government, Society, Google, CNBC, Microsoft, Index Ventures, Insight Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Sequoia, PitchBook, Intuit, Ventures, Sequoia Capital, Wiz's, Wiz, Oracle, Foundation Capital, Motorola, Lenovo, New York Stock Exchange Locations: Stanford , California, Sequoia

☆ Google’s $23 Billion Plan to Buy Cybersecurity Start-Up Wiz Falls Apart
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Nico Grant | More About Nico Grant | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Last week, it looked like Google was poised to snap up the cybersecurity start-up Wiz for $23 billion, in what would have been its largest acquisition ever. The privately held company would instead pursue a public listing on a stock exchange, according to a memo viewed by The New York Times. Wiz would continue to pursue its previously stated goal of generating $1 billion in recurring revenue ahead of an initial public offering, Assaf Rappaport, Wiz’s chief executive, wrote in the memo. “While we are flattered by offers we have received, we have chosen to continue on our path to building Wiz,” he wrote. “Saying no to such humbling offers is tough, but with our exceptional team, I feel confident in making that choice.”

Persons: Wiz, Assaf Rappaport, ” Organizations: Google, The New York Times, Wiz

☆ As Gen Xers reach retirement withdrawal age, using that money should be a 'last resort,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Fg Trade | E+ | Getty ImagesGen Xers are starting to reach age milestones that give them penalty-free access to certain retirement funds. And once they reach a certain milestone — age 59½ — they can withdraw money from their individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, and 401(k)s penalty free. Beyond those age guidelines, there are other exceptions that may enable savers to avoid penalties for early retirement withdrawals. Add money through catch-up contributionsFor younger Gen Xers, age 50 marks another milestone, when they can start making catch-up contributions to retirement accounts. To clear the way for tax-free withdrawals in retirement, retirement savers may opt to gradually convert pre-tax IRA funds to post-tax Roth accounts.

Persons: Xers, Ed Slott, Slott, Roth, Gen Xers, Rita Assaf, Assaf Organizations: Fidelity, Finance, Social Security, IRAs

☆ Google is close to making its biggest acquisition ever
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( Matt Egan | Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Google owner Alphabet is in advanced discussions to buy fast-growing cybersecurity startup Wiz for roughly $23 billion, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to CNN. A takeover of Wiz, which makes cybersecurity software for cloud computing, would represent a major bet by Google on cybersecurity, marking the tech giant’s biggest-ever acquisition. Discussions between Google and Wiz began after the startup raised $1 billion from venture capital investors earlier this year, the source said. Google Cloud is central to the company’s efforts to diversity revenue beyond its core search advertising business. Notable customers include BMW, Slack and Salesforce, and it works with major cloud companies including Amazon, Microsoft and Google.

Persons: Wiz, Dan Ives, Biden, Trump, Ives, — Assaf Rappaport, Ami Luttwak, Yinon Costica, Roy Reznik, Slack Organizations: New, New York CNN, Google, CNN, Wiz, Wall Street, Motorola, Microsoft, Wedbush, White, Federal Trade Commission, Big Tech, Israel Defense Forces, Fortune, BMW, Amazon Locations: New York, New York City

☆ Why Google is ready to risk a DC battle to land a potential $23 billion deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. The deal could be worth as much as $23 billion — and would mark an extraordinary moment for Wiz. Wiz, which was valued at $12 billion after announcing a $1 billion fundraising in May, puts "cloud security" front and center. Thomas Kurian is CEO of Google Cloud. Analysts at Wedbush including Dan Ives said in a research note that a Wiz deal "would clearly bolster the Google cloud offering and value proposition to enterprises."

Persons: —, Morgan Stanley, Blackstone, Assaf Rappaport, Harry Murphy, That's, Thomas Kurian, Dan Ives, Sen, Richard Blumenthal Organizations: Service, Street Journal, Israeli military's Unit, Business, Wiz, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, FTC, Big Tech Locations: New York

☆ Google reportedly in advanced talks to acquire cyber startup Wiz for $23 billion, its largest-ever deal
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-14 | by ( Rohan Goswami | In Rohangoswamicnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Google is in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz for $23 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. It had been eyeing an IPO as recently as May, when the company achieved a valuation of $12 billion. Google has made large cyber acquisitions before: The company acquired cybersecurity firm Mandiant for $5.4 billion two years ago. But its reported talks with Wiz would suggest that the company has developed a fresh appetite for M&A, competitive concerns notwithstanding. Google had been in talks to acquire sales software maker Hubspot, CNBC previously reported, but its pursuit had reportedly cooled.

Persons: Sundar Pichai, Wiz, Assaf Rappaport Organizations: Alphabet Inc, Government, Society, Google, Street, Wiz, Ventures, Insight Partners, Sequoia Capital, CNBC Locations: Stanford , California

☆ Iran Warns Israel Against War in Lebanon Against Hezbollah: Latest Updates
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Vivian Nereim | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +9 min

Illegal Israeli settlements in the Gush Etzion settlement block in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in 2020. But after the first Arab-Israeli war, Jordan took control of the West Bank, and Jerusalem became divided between Israel and Jordan. In the 1967 war, Israel annexed East Jerusalem and occupied the West Bank, which it says is disputed territory whose fate should be determined in negotiations. That appears to be the goal for Mr. Smotrich, who adamantly opposes Palestinian statehood. In a social media post on Thursday, Mr. Smotrich indicated that the latest settlement legalization was a response to those decisions.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Bezalel Smotrich, Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Smotrich, Ammar Awad, Evyatar Borovski, Givat, Assaf Hershkovitz, Sde Ephraim, Jordan, Amit Elkayam, Volker Türk, Tor, “ We’ll, ”, Yehuda Fox, “, ” Aaron Boxerman Organizations: West Bank, Authority, Palestinian, Reuters, West, Peace, United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Security Council, International Court of Justice, Bank, Geneva Convention, Criminal Court, United Nations, International Court of, The New York Times, East Jerusalem —, Mr, Israel’s, Command Locations: Gush Etzion, Bank, Israel, Jerusalem, Jabal Subeih, Nablus, West, Givat Assaf, West Bank, Ras Karkar, Ramallah, Settlers, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jordan, East Jerusalem, Palestinian, Oslo, Evyatar, Beita, Spain, Ireland, Norway, Slovenia, Armenia

☆ What seven more months of war would mean for Palestinians, Israelis and the world
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Abbas Al Lawati | Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —Israel has warned that its war in Gaza could extend until the end of the year. Prolonging the war could have catastrophic consequences for Palestinians in the already ravaged territory and significant repercussions for Israel and beyond, experts said. “And currently Hamas doesn’t seem to be ready to release them.”Impact on Israel’s economyThe war hit Israel’s economy hard in the immediate aftermath of October 7. As of January, the Israeli military was spending $272 million per day on the war, according to the Israeli news site Ynet. Despite these efforts, the war persists, civilian casualties rise and famine spreads in Gaza, intensifying pressure from some of his electorate.

Persons: CNN — Israel, Tzachi Hanegbi, ”, Joe Biden, “, Assaf Orion, Juliette Touma, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Yohanan Plesner, Plesner, Israel, Malcolm Shaw, Yaron Wax, Johanna Geron, INSS, Amir Levy, Orion, Daniel Hagari, ” Plesner, Biden Organizations: CNN, National, Institute for National Security Studies, Israel Defense Forces, London School of Hygiene, Tropical Medicine, Johns Hopkins Center, Humanitarian Health, Israel, United Nations, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Israeli, Israel Democracy Institute, International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, United, P Global, Moody’s, Service, Troops, American, West Bank Locations: Gaza, Israel, Tel Aviv, Rafah, Europe, Palestinian, British, The Hague, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates

☆ The generation that may never retire: Why some millennials are behind on savings — and how they can catch up
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

However, the average millennial reported roughly $63,000 in retirement savings so far. While millennials will need more money to retire comfortably, many are far away from the savings milestone experts suggest. What's more, the future of the US Social Security system is uncertain, and longer expected lifespans — while a positive development — will require more retirement savings. How to figure out how much retirement savings you needTiffany Bell, a 36-year-old business management professional based in Houston, didn't always take retirement savings seriously. How millennials can get their retirement savings back on trackWhile some millennials are struggling financially, it's not all doom and gloom when it comes to their retirement prospects.

Persons: Nathaniel Hudson, Hartman, millennials, Tiffany Bell, didn't, Bell, she's, they're, Chris Chen, Chen, Judi Leahy, it's, Leahy, NerdWallet, Bell —, —, X, What's, Nilay Gandhi, Roth, Rita Assaf, Assaf, Gandhi Organizations: Business, Northwestern Mutual, Pew, US Social Security, Fidelity, Financial, Citi, Wealth Management, Vanguard, Big, CFP, Roth IRA, Fidelity Investments, Savings, Hudson Locations: Portland, Houston, New York, Montana

☆ Americans think they need almost $1.5 million to retire. Experts say to focus on another number instead
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

It is also up 15% from last year, when respondents said they would need $1.27 million. Likewise, a recent CNBC survey showed that 53% of Americans feel like they are behind on their retirement savings. However, experts say having a "magic number" in mind should not be a priority when planning for your retirement. The number experts say to focus onFinancial advisors agree that having a high savings rate, along with appropriate asset allocations, is one of the most significant components of building wealth. "I would much rather have clients that save 15% of their income and get a 5% rate of return than save 1% of their income and get a 15% rate of return," Roland said.

Persons: John Roland, Rita Assaf, Assaf, it's, Roland Organizations: Northwestern Mutual, CNBC, Northwestern, Financial Advisors, Fidelity Investments, Fidelity, Vanguard

Charles Schwab Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. How are required minimum distributions calculated? Everyone's financial circumstances are different, but there are some strategies that could reduce the tax implications of required minimum distributions. You can also calculate your required minimum distributions using the IRS' life expectancy chart. And if you've already been taking required minimum distributions, don't be surprised if they're larger this year.

Persons: RMDs, —, Charles Schwab, Schwab, Roth, Roth IRAs, it's, John, you'll, You'd, Kevin Martin, David John, There's, they've, Rita Assaf Organizations: Schwab, Trading, Organization, IRS, Social, Tax, H, AARP, Institute, Bank, Western Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank, FDIC, CNBC, Brookings, Fidelity Investments, CNBC Select's, Facebook, Twitter Locations: LendingClub, N.A

BEITUNIA, West Bank—After more than a year of detention, Azhar Assaf has finally returned to her home in the occupied West Bank. Although she doesn’t consider herself to be political, she says she owes her freedom to Hamas. Assaf and other freed prisoners, many of whom have been held without trial, are attributing their release to Hamas, with some openly praising the group. That is helping to boost Hamas’s public image among Palestinians amid a war with Israel that has left more than 15,000 dead in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to authorities in the enclave. The numbers don’t distinguish between militants and civilians.

Persons: Azhar Assaf, doesn’t, Assaf Organizations: West Bank —, West Bank Locations: Israel, Gaza

☆ BREAKING: 25 hostages have been released by Hamas, the first since a four-day truce was called
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( William Edwards | Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

25 hostages were released to Eygpt, the first release since a 4-day cease-fire was called. The released hostages include 12 Thai citizens and 13 other women and children. AdvertisementTwenty-five hostages were released by Hamas on Friday, the latest sign that the conflict between Israel and the militant group is cooling. The deal for the 12 Thai hostages was brokered by the Egyptian government, the country's media office said on Friday. According to the Israeli government's press office, 12 Thai hostages are in Israel now.

Persons: —, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: Service, Thailand's Locations: Israel, Assaf

☆ More than 100 injured in Eritrean clashes in Tel Aviv
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Rami Amichai | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Protesters hold sticks and flags during violent demonstrations by Eritrean asylum seekers, including both supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government, in Tel Aviv, Israel, September 2, 2023. REUTERS/Moti Milrod Acquire Licensing RightsJERUSALEM, Sept 2 (Reuters) - More than 100 people were injured in violent clashes in Tel Aviv between Eritrean government supporters celebrating an Eritrea Day event and opponents of President Isaias Afwerki. Footage on social media showed Eritrean government supporters beating anti-government protesters with clubs. "Why did we run from our country?," one protester in Tel Aviv, Hagos Gavriot, told Reuters. "At this time, large police and Border Police forces continue to operate against lawbreakers in the Tel Aviv area," an Israeli police statement said.

Persons: Moti Milrod, Isaias Afwerki, Isaias, Hagos Gavriot, Eritreans, Emily Rose, Hannah Confino, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Eritrean, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Police, Border Police, lawbreakers, Thomson Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Eritrea, Eritrean, Independence, Ethiopia, U.S, Egypt

The kingdom's sovereign wealth fund reported an AUM of 1.98 trillion riyals for 2021. The PIF said it generated a total shareholders' return of 8% and established 25 companies in 2022, and locally deployed 120 billion riyals in that year in strategic sectors. The PIF said 23% of its AUM were international investments, while 68% were local investments and the remainder were treasury. PIF is the chosen vehicle of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, to drive an economic agenda aimed at cutting reliance on oil. The fund raised $5.5 billion in February from a green bond sale, following its inaugural green bond that raised $3 billion in October.

Persons: Yasir Othman Al, Mohammed Abdullah Al Jadaan, Ahmed Aqeel Al Khateeb, Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Majid Abdullah Al Qasabi, Khalid Abdulaziz Al Falih, PIF, Ahmed Elimam, Alex Richardson Organizations: Saudi Public Investment, Saudi Finance, Tourism, Investment, Read, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Sunday, Aramco, Sanabil Investments, Thomson Locations: Saudi, DUBAI, London , New York, Hong Kong, Saudi Aramco

☆ Wiz ranks as No. 5 on Disruptor 50 list with a start as a $10 billion startup
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWiz ranks as No. 5 on Disruptor 50 list with a start as a $10 billion startupAssaf Rappaport, Wiz CEO, one of the companies on this year’s annual Disruptor 50 list, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss the state of cybersecurity.

☆ Wiz's rapid ascent to $10 billion valuation in market downturn shows cloud security is 'still huge'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Jordan Novet | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The accelerated shift to cloud computing has boosted adoption of security software that can identify the spots where hackers can wage attacks. Older security companies such as Palo Alto Networks and Rapid7 have widened their portfolios to specialize in securing the cloud. Regardless of how Thomas views Wiz, in February his company added the startup to its list of competitors, putting it alongside Palo Alto Networks . Rappaport called out Palo Alto Networks, which has an offering called Prisma Cloud, as his company's best place to snag business. Rappaport also knows plenty about Microsoft, having sold his prior security startup, Adallom, to the company for $320 million in 2015.

☆ Artificial intelligence is a $38 billion revenue opportunity for retailers. Here's how to play the trend
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +15 min

Morgan Stanley estimates that in 2022, only 23% of the $4.3 trillion of U.S adjusted retail spending was online. Add in AI, which can drive better shopper experiences or better conversion, it could bump to 9% or possibly 10% CAGR, he said. Eventually, AI can help retailers pitch tailored products to each potential customer based on their prior history. You might see it in the member services experience in having a better opportunity to get customer support," he said. As retailers move ahead in their plans to integrate AI into their business, some will build the capabilities.

☆ Trying to fund an individual retirement account ahead of the Tax Day deadline? Here's what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The deadline to make IRA contributions generally coincides with Tax Day. Some residents of eight states have federal tax deadline postponements until May, July or October due to natural disasters, according to the IRS. Roth IRA contributions, on the other hand, consist of post-tax contributions. You may be able to get around these restrictions through a Roth conversion, where traditional IRA funds are moved to a Roth IRA. While funding a Roth IRA may not immediately affect your tax circumstances now, experts say it may be the better pick in the long run.

☆ Edmond de Rothschild to open advisory office in Dubai
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Hadeel Al Sayegh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DUBAI, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Edmond de Rothschild Group, which specialises in asset management and private banking, said on Tuesday it is expanding its presence in Dubai with an advisory office as it looks to the fast-growing Middle East hub to cater to an affluent pool of clients. It previously had a representative office in Dubai, but said the new office will "enhance" its ability to serve clients in the region. Edmond de Rothschild plans to hire about five people in Dubai next year, a spokesperson said. A growing number of hedge funds have set up shop in Dubai, attracted by lower licensing fees and capital requirements for the industry, including Millennium Management, ExodusPoint Capital Management and BlueCrest. French private equity firm Ardian said last month it was opening an office in neighbouring Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, while CVC opened an office in Dubai last year.

Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERSDUBAI, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is working with Lazard (LAZ.N) on funding options and a potential initial public offering of Masar, a $27 billion mega project in the holy city of Mecca, two sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. The PIF, Lazard and Masar did not respond to a Reuters query for comment. Bloomberg first reported Lazard was advising the sovereign wealth fund on NEOM. Masar is a 1.2 million square metre urban development project in the western part of Mecca. Reporting by Hadeel Al Sayegh;Editing by Elaine HardcastleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Layoffs are picking up. These are the first 3 steps to take after losing your job
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In this article UALAALTSLANFLXSHOP-CALYFT Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTWanan Yossingkum | Istock | Getty ImagesThe labor market is still strong, but layoffs are picking up. File to collect unemployment benefits ASAPYou should file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible after a layoff, said Andrew Stettner, the director of workforce policy and senior fellow at The Century Foundation. Even if you received unemployment benefits earlier in the pandemic and are facing joblessness again, you may qualify for more aid. (However, if you have less than $5,000 in the account, the money may be sent to an individual retirement account for you, she added.) However, you won't be able to continue contributing to a plan at a company you're no longer working for.

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