Why Meta has shut its office in Tel Aviv
What's the story
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has temporarily shuttered its Tel Aviv office in light of the ongoing Israel-Iran war. The decision affects nearly 900 employees working at the tech giant's Middle East hub. The closure comes after a series of missile and drone strikes by Iran targeting various regions of Israel.
Safety measures
Meta offers hotel stays to employees
In an internal memo, Meta acknowledged the difficult situation many of its employees are facing due to the ongoing war. The company said, "We understand that not everyone has access to a shelter or safe room at home during these challenging times." To ensure employee safety, Meta is offering hotel stays for those without proper bomb shelters at home.
Tech center
Importance of Tel Aviv office to Meta
Opened in 2013, Meta's Tel Aviv office is a major research and development center. The facility plays an important role in developing technologies related to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These technologies are critical to Meta's long-term vision of immersive computing and metaverse.
Regional conflict
War claims lives
The office closure comes amid rising tensions between the US, Iran, and Israel. Tel Aviv and its surrounding areas have been under constant missile and drone attacks since February 28. The ongoing conflict has claimed at least 11 lives in Israel, while Iran claims more than 1,300 civilians have died during this period.