Israel taps local firm IDE in desalination tender over Hong Kong rival

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel on Tuesday chose local company IDE Technologies over a Chinese-linked rival to build the country's largest desalination plant to help battle water shortages that could arise from climate change.The project, to be financed by a consortium of banks including Bank Leumi , Germany's KfW [KFW.UL] and the European Investment Bank, will increase Israel's desalination capacity by 35% and lower water costs, the government said in a statement.IDE had competed for the tender..