Learning lessons from the much-delayed, 23-kilometer first phase of a Tel Aviv regional light-rail system, Israeli transportation officials have issued new engineering and project management tenders for the next two lines, with construction investment estimated at $8 million.

In recent years, Israel has made a name for itself as a high-tech power house. Thousands of start-up companies have been established, and major international firms have flocked to Israel's growing tech sector to set up local research centers.