Updates:
1. My bank (Mizrahi Tfahot) has refused my request from more than a month ago to wire about $7,500 to Mt. Gox. They said they would "look into whether my request is ok or not" ... and haven't gotten back to me yet.
2. Another bank (Beinleumi) has formally refused one of their clients, and wrote
in a formal letter:
(Rough translation by me)
From a check made in the bank it seems that your account contains activity involved with virtual currency.
The activity is characterized by issuing wire transfer to a company called MTGOX, through which this currency is purchased.
Virtual currency is anonymous and unregulated. Trading them is not regulated and thus poses a high risk for the bank.
Therefore, the bank has decided not to allow such activity for our customers, until guidance/clarifications are issued by the Israel Central Bank.
You are requested to stop any such activity.
We inform you that if you do not comply, we will have to refuse any activity directly or indirectly related to this area of activity.
Signed by his branch (Ramat Aviv)
