Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item
1A. Risk Factors
Except
as set forth below in this Item 1A and the Risk Factors included in our previous filings made with the SEC, there have been no material
changes to our risk factors from those disclosed in “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on
March 5, 2024.
If
there are significant shifts in the political, economic and military conditions in Israel and its neighbors, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business relationships and profitability.
Our
executive office, sole manufacturing facility and certain of our key personnel are located in Israel. Our business is directly affected
by the political, economic and military conditions in Israel and its neighbors. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948,
a number of armed conflicts have occurred between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
In
October 2023, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel’s southern border from the Gaza Strip and conducted a series of attacks on civilian
and military targets. Hamas also launched extensive rocket attacks on Israeli population and industrial centers located along Israel’s
border with the Gaza Strip and in other areas within the State of Israel. These attacks resulted in extensive deaths, injuries and kidnapping
of civilians and soldiers. Following the attack, Israel’s security cabinet declared war against Hamas and a military campaign against
these terrorist organizations commenced in parallel to their continued rocket and terror attacks. In addition, since the commencement
of these events, there have been continued hostilities along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon (with the Hezbollah terror organization)
and southern border (with the Houthi movement in Yemen, as described below). It is possible that hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon
will escalate, and that other terrorist organizations, including Palestinian military organizations in the West Bank as well as other
hostile countries will join the hostilities. In addition, Iran recently launched a direct attack on Israel involving hundreds of drones
and missiles and has threatened to continue to attack Israel and is widely believed to be developing nuclear weapons. Iran is also believed
to have a strong influence among extremist groups in the region, such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi movement in
Yemen and various rebel militia groups in Syria and Iraq. These situations may potentially escalate in the future to more violent events
which may affect Israel and us. Additionally, Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis, launched series of attacks on global shipping routes in
the Red Sea, causing disruptions of supply chain. Such clashes may escalate in the future into a greater regional conflict.
In
connection with the Israeli security cabinet’s declaration of war against Hamas and possible hostilities with other organizations,
several hundred thousand Israeli military reservists were drafted to perform immediate military service, including five full time employees
in Israel of ours. Although many of such military reservists have since been released, including the majority of our employees, they
may be called up for additional reserve duty, depending on developments in the war in Gaza and along Israel’s other borders. As
of the date hereof, two of our non-management employees in Israel. Military service call ups that result in absences of personnel from
us for an extended period of time may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
As of the date hereof, we currently have 56 full-time employees located in Israel and 12 employees located outside of Israel.
Since
the war broke out on October 7, 2023, our operations have not been adversely affected by this situation, and we have not experienced
disruptions to our clinical studies. None of the clinical sites currently participating in our clinical studies are located in Israel
however we currently manufacture our CGuard at our facility in Tel Aviv, Israel. If there were a disruption to our existing manufacturing
facility or our ability to procure raw materials and ship our products, we would have no other means of manufacturing and distributing
CGuard until we were able to restore the manufacturing and distribution capability at our facility or develop alternative manufacturing
facilities and distribution capabilities.
10
The
intensity and duration of Israel’s current war against Hamas is difficult to predict at this stage, as are such war’s economic
implications on the Company’s business and operations and on Israel’s economy in general. If the war extends for a long period
of time or expands to other fronts, such as Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, our operations may be adversely affected.
Our
commercial insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of events associated with war and terrorism. Although the Israeli
government currently covers the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot
assure you that this government coverage will be maintained or that it will sufficiently cover our potential damages. Any losses or damages
incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business. Any armed conflicts or political instability in the region would
likely negatively affect business conditions and could harm our results of operations.
The
continued political instability and hostilities between Israel and its neighbors and any future armed conflict, terrorist activity or
political instability in the region could adversely affect our operations in Israel and adversely affect the market price of our shares
of common stock. In addition, several organizations and countries may restrict doing business with Israel and Israeli companies have
been and are today subjected to economic boycotts. The interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners
could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Finally,
political conditions within Israel may affect our operations. Israel has held five general elections between 2019 and 2022, and prior
to October 2023, the Israeli government pursued extensive changes to Israel’s judicial system, which sparked extensive political
debate and unrest. To date, these initiatives have been substantially put on hold. Actual or perceived political instability in Israel
or any negative changes in the political environment, may individually or in the aggregate adversely affect the Israeli economy and,
in turn, our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Item
2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item
3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item
4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not
applicable.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.