At the end of 2016, Amazon super-boss, Jeff Bezos, made a swift and secretive visit to Israel. Why invest in Israel? Well, it is the start-up nation, and Amazon has seen the number of its new patents rise from 7 in 2009 to 78 in 2016.

This  move was initially expected to generate an additional 800 jobs. Well that has all changed for now. Utilising two enormous facilities in Tel Aviv and in Haifa, Amazon will employ around 2,500 Israeli geeks, who will be developing technologies for microprocessors and for the cloud. By all accounts, the Israeli teams will also support Amazon’s venture into supermarkets.

Its been two years since Amazon purchased Annapurna Labs for about US$360. And more acquisitions are expected. It is an innovation and entrepreneurial landscape that Amazon cannot afford to be away from.

To give an idea of the impact Amazon, consider the following rental stats, drawn up in today’s issue of the “Calcalist” (The Economist).

Apple and Microsoft employ about 1,000 people. Google has taken on around 600, while Facebook has recruited 100 members of staff in the Holy Land. It comes of no surprise then to learn that there is somewhat of an inflationary bubble in high-tech wages this year.

In a week when Visonic is moving a 400 strong person factory from the periphery southern desert area to China, the news from Amazon is more than welcome for the Israeli economy. It is sure to generate a knock effect on the service enterprises located close to tis vicinities.

Who will be next to follow Bezos’ move in Israel?