An application to the Israeli government has indicated that Intel wants further expansion of its fab in Kiryat Gat. The plan is to produce in two or three years silicon wafers with the innovative 15-nanometer technology.

If the upgrade is carried out, Intel's Kiryat Gat fab will become one of the multinational's most advanced fabs. Chipzilla wants to invest $4.8 billion and expects a 600 million if it does it. Intel Israel will hire 1,300 additional employees.

The expansion plan follows another grant which was awarded six months ago, a $200 million grant to upgrade the Kiryat Gat fab. The upgrade is currently underway.

Word on the street is that the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor is considering awarding the grant conditional on Intel opening its next fab in Beit She'an, in order to expand employment there.