Meta’s Israel offices on Monday initiated layoffs with employees summoned to pre-dismissal hearings as part of the company’s global workforce cuts.
Approximately 40 employees, or 5% of Meta Israel’s 900-strong workforce, are expected to be affected, mirroring the global layoff rate in this round. Meta Israel declined to comment.
Meta, formerly Facebook, has a significant presence in Israel, where it operates one of its largest R&D centers outside the U.S. The company employs hundreds of engineers, data scientists and developers in its Tel Aviv and Herzliya offices, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and augmented reality.
Meta’s Israel operations have been instrumental in developing key technologies, including tools for its advertising platform and innovations for its virtual reality division, Reality Labs.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to cut 3,700 jobs (5% of the company’s 74,000 employees). Unlike previous layoff rounds aimed at reducing headcount, Zuckerberg said this round targets “low-performing employees,” despite recent workforce growth.
Meta VP of Human Resources Janelle Gale confirmed over the weekend that the layoffs would begin Monday, affecting employees across most of the company’s hubs including Australia, China, India, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Ireland, the UK, the UAE, Denmark and Poland.
The layoffs come as the tech industry faces broader challenges, including economic slowdowns and shifting market demands. Meta’s Israel operations, however, remain a critical component of its global strategy, with ongoing investments in cutting-edge technologies and local talent.