Jerusalem, 25 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s renovation industry is turning to robots to overcome a severe labor shortage that has slowed projects and driven up costs. Before the war, approximately 15,000 Palestinian workers were employed in the sector. Of a government quota of 5,000 foreign workers, only 1,200 have arrived through the bilateral recruitment program, alongside 64 through private recruitment, Israeli media reported Sunday.
Another 650 to 700 foreign workers are reportedly on their way.
Robots showcased at the Renovation Contractors Association’s annual conference can perform painting, plastering, sanding, tiling and other finishing tasks. Manufacturers claim some systems work up to four times faster than manual labor, with certain machines covering 150 square meters of painting per hour.
The government has also begun supporting construction automation pilots, hoping technology will boost productivity, ease labor shortages, and eventually reduce renovation costs.
