The Israeli government has published a tender for the sale of a controlling stake in Bezeq Israel Telecom, in what would be the country's largest ever privatisation.

The deadline for submission of applications is 13 February next year, and the government hopes to get at least $2bn.

Bezeq, which holds monopolies in local phone and high-speed internet services, has significant stakes in mobile phone operator Pelephone and satellite television provider YES.

The Government Companies Authority, which is in charge of privatisations, will hold a roadshow for the next 90 days to present the company to potential buyers.

In light of the thin demand for telecoms investments at present, the government has eased its bid requirements.

At first, it only wanted foreign phone companies, but is now willing to consider financial investors from Israel and abroad.