Gad Lior

As part of fight against black market money, officials considering eliminating highest denomination of Israeli currency soon and gradually phasing out cash entirely; plan includes voluntary disclosure campaign and lowering transaction approval threshold

Damages reported across northern Israel since start of war on October 7 continue to climb amid conflict with Hezbollah, compensation fund director reports; damages to south estimated at additional 1.5 billion shekels

Israel's central bank issues statements against Netanyahu's plans to remove banknotes from circulation, but doesn't elaborate on specific reasons for denying move

Israel’s credit rating, already downgraded by all major agencies, could face further hits if all-out war with Hezbollah erupts; economists warn this could lead to higher interest rates and shake investor confidence in country's financial stability

International credit rating company set to file harsh report detailing worry for Israeli economy amid government inaction and expanding war on northern border

Israel’s credit rating down from A2 to Baa1, agency cites government’s ineffective handling of war expenses; report warns deficit for 2024 and 2025 will significantly surpass set targets

Days after Moody’s downgraded Israel’s credit rating, S&P follows with immediate and earlier-than-expected downgrade, adding negative outlook; citing escalating conflict with Hezbollah, S&P projects zero growth for 2024 and 9% deficit

Israel's war on northern front has cost some 25 billion shekels since the beginning of September, partly due to the use of expensive munitions; rising expenses will require the government to increase the defense budget

Ministers pass new budget marked at NIS 607.4 billion in a 23-7 majority vote following hours of intense discussions; opposition criticizes budget as selective and harmful

Average annual cost per household due to a 10 billion shekel increase is estimated at around 4,000 shekels ($1,000) per year, bringing higher taxes, reduced public services, finance ministry says