Doing Business Abroad    Israel By Terri Morrison © Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved Greetings Israelis who do business internationally generally shake hands upon introduction. Because of the Orthodox Jewish prohibition against touching women, businesswomen should not offer to shake hands first. The traditional Arab greeting between men: clasp right hands, place left hands on the other's right shoulder, and exchange kisses on each cheek. Use titles and surnames (e.g. Doctor al-Nahhas) for both Israeli Jews and Arabs. Appointments Most Jewish businesses close on Fridays and Saturdays. Islamic-owned establishments will be closed Fridays; Christian ones close Sundays. Jewish and Islamic calendars use lunar months of approximately 29 1/2 days; a lunar year of 12 monts is 354 days long. Negotiating Most Israelis have very confrontational negotiating styles, which may become very emotional. Don't hesitate to respond in kind. Unlike most Israeli Jews, an Israeli Arab will not even consider doing business with you until he knows and likes you. Entertaining Pork is prohibited to observing Jews, and strict Muslims do not consume alcohol or pork. Always eat with your right hand, because the left is considered unclean.