Beekeepers can split each of their strong hives into two hives.  In Israel, we can do this either in the spring or the fall.  If done in the spring, then the two hives will usually not be able to build up the population enough in time to produce a honey crop for that year.  If done in the fall, then the colony will be able to build up in time to
successfully make it through the winter and be ready to explode their population in the early spring and be positioned to take advantage of the spring and early summer honey flows.

We have just done a few splits this fall (winter for the USA and Canada).  The new hives are in smaller boxes, to make it easier for them to regulate the internal hive temperature and get a fast start on building up their population before winter arrives in earnest.
For the hives in the warmer parts of Israel, we have added queen cells to the new hives, and for the other hives we have added new queens ready to lay eggs the minute they are introduced into the hive.  We are watching the results to make sure all the splits go into the winter strong and with enough honey reserves to make it through the winter.  Come spring, we will move some of the new hives into other locations that need hives or need additional hives.