What is the difference between IST and UTC?
Israel is 2 hours ahead of UTC during standard time, and 3 hours ahead during daylight saving time (IDT).
UTC time
URL copied to clipboard!
Copied embed code to clipboard!
IST-Israel
Israel Standard Time
26 Nov 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this area observe DST?
Yes, Israel observes daylight saving time, transitioning to IDT in the summer.
Which major cities follow this pattern?
Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa follow this schedule.
What areas share the same hours?
Cyprus, Jordan, and parts of Lebanon share the same schedule during standard time.
How does this compare with UTC?
During standard time, Israel is 2 hours ahead of UTC. In summer, it is 3 hours ahead due to daylight saving.
Why doesn't this area observe DST year-round?
Israel observes DST to make better use of daylight during the summer months, but switches back to standard time for the winter period.
How did this system get established?
Israel adopted standard time in 1948, with DST introduced later to align with global practices for energy conservation.
What are the typical work hours here?
Work hours in Israel generally run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some variation depending on the sector.
What is the economic importance of this area?
Israel has a highly developed economy with strengths in technology, defense, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.