THE LEGAL REGIME OF COMPETITION IN ISRAEL

Abstract

The most important competition law in Israel is the Restrictive Trade Practices Law, 5748-1988 (“RTP Law”). Based mainly on the European model and inspired by US antitrust laws, the RTP Act gives the Antitrust Authority (“Authority”) the power to monitor restrictive practices, mergers, monopolies, oligopolistic practices and more; allows the Director General to impose administrative sanctions or to prosecute violators in criminal proceedings; and also allows private enforcement through civil actions. Recently, the RTP Law, as well as further competition legislation in Israel, has undergone significant changes with the aim of providing the Antitrust Authority and the Director General with unprecedented tools to address the competitive challenges arising in the Israeli economy.