Bank of Israel
Israeli-media coverage mentioning Bank of Israel, translated into English and compared across sources. 48 recent stories.
Israeli Government Approves Urgent 1 Billion Shekel Boost to Defense Budget Amid Emergency
Israel’s government plans to urgently allocate 1 billion shekels to defense amid a national emergency, raising the defense budget to a record 184 billion shekels. Prime Minister N…
Rising Income Inequality in Israel Risks Social Unrest Amid War and Economic Strain
A 2026 Adva Center report warns that Israel’s rising income inequality and underfunded public services amid ongoing war and economic pressures risk social unrest and welfare state…
Israel's Tax Authority Launches Real-Time VAT Payment Reform to Combat Fraud and Improve Cash Flow
Israel's Tax Authority is reforming VAT payments to require immediate tax transfers at the point of sale, replacing monthly payments. This aims to reduce fraud, ease business cash…
Israeli Competition Authority Warns Against Informal Bank Chair Meetings Amid Monopoly Crackdown
Yael Sheinin, outgoing legal advisor of Israel's Competition Authority, warns that informal WhatsApp chats between bank chairs risk illegal collusion. She highlights evolving cart…
Netanyahu Pushes Costly Defense Budget Expansion Amid Election Campaign
Prime Minister Netanyahu is pushing a large defense budget increase during Israel's election period, aiming for military self-sufficiency with a 400 billion shekel plan. Despite u…
Bank of Israel Halts Dollar Purchases in July After Two Months of Intervention
The Bank of Israel refrained from intervening in the foreign exchange market in July after purchasing dollars in May and June to address market irregularities, with the shekel tra…
AI-Powered Personal Finance Management Set to Democratize Wealth Advisory Services
Advances in AI are enabling personalized financial management services previously available only to the wealthy, promising to democratize access to expert money management. Platfo…
Bank of Israel Enables Israeli Banks to Report Under US GAAP, Opening Door to Wall Street Listings
The Bank of Israel has proposed allowing Israeli banks to report financials under US GAAP, facilitating dual listings on Wall Street. This change could attract more foreign invest…
Discount and Hapoalim Banks Cut Ties with Palestinian Authority, Threatening Israeli Businesses
Israeli banks Discount and Hapoalim plan to end banking services with the Palestinian Authority by late 2026, risking financial chaos in Palestinian territories and impacting Isra…
How Saving and Investing Differ in Israel and Why Starting Early Matters
This guide explains saving and investing basics in Israel, highlighting the benefits of early saving, key financial products, and the impact of fees and taxes on returns. It stres…
Nearly 8,000 Winners Prepare for Next Steps in Israel’s Discounted Housing Lottery
Nearly 8,000 winners of Israel’s latest discounted housing lottery are advised to prepare patiently for a lengthy process before selecting apartments, while non-winners are urged…
MK Bitan’s Claim on OECD Food VAT Rates Is Inaccurate, Experts Say
MK David Bitan proposed reducing Israel’s VAT on basic food to 8%, claiming OECD countries have similar rates. However, only half of OECD countries have VAT rates that low on food…
Israeli Shekel Strengthens as Dollar Falls Below 3 Shekels After Three Weeks
The Israeli shekel has strengthened significantly, pushing the US dollar below 3 shekels after three weeks, driven by regional developments and global dollar weakness. This trend…
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Opens Optimistic Amid US-Iran Talks and Strong Global Markets
The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange opens with optimism fueled by US-Iran talks, strong global markets, and falling oil prices. Key stocks like Tower Semiconductor and Kamtek are expected…
AI Tools Revolutionize Home Buying by Assessing Financial Feasibility and Property Value
AI-powered platforms PROPLY and Price Vs. Value help Israeli homebuyers assess financial suitability and true property value, offering clear recommendations and economic analyses…
IBI's Bank Index ETF Triggers Massive 10 Billion Shekel Outflows in Passive Fund Industry
IBI Investment House's decision to charge trustee fees on its Israel Banks Index ETF has led to massive institutional outflows totaling over 10 billion shekels by August. This mov…
Israeli Supreme Court Rules Professionals Must Verify AI Outputs, Not Blame Technology for Errors
The Israeli Supreme Court ruled that professionals must verify AI-generated information and cannot blame AI for errors, emphasizing individual responsibility. With 57% of Israeli…
Rising Bank Margins Limit Impact of Bank of Israel Rate Cuts on Mortgages
Although the Bank of Israel has cut interest rates, banks have increased mortgage interest margins, limiting borrowers' savings. This has created a brief opportunity for better mo…
Israel Opens New Justice Ministry Building with Public Square for Protests in Jerusalem
Israel opened a new Justice Ministry building in Jerusalem's National Quarter, featuring a public plaza designed for protests and community use. The 65,000-square-meter complex co…
Most Israelis Hesitate to Switch Banks Despite Easy Online Transfers and Financial Benefits
Despite extensive price comparisons in other areas, most Israelis rarely switch banks, often due to low financial literacy and psychological barriers. The 2021 "Switch in a Click"…
Israel Cuts Negative Credit Data Retention to One Year, Raising Loan Costs for All
Israel has shortened the retention period for negative credit data from three years to one, aiming to help borrowers recover faster but raising loan costs for all. The change bene…
Inflation Rebounds in Israel as Prices Set to Rise Again Amid Energy Costs
Israeli inflation, after months of decline, is expected to rise again due to higher energy prices and a weaker shekel, with the Bank of Israel likely to cut interest rates twice c…
Israeli Banks Threaten to Halt Financial Services to Palestinian Authority Over Terror Funding Risks
Israeli banks Discount and Hapoalim plan to stop correspondent banking services to Palestinian banks within months due to terror funding risks. They urge the Israeli government to…
US-Iran Tensions Drive Dollar Surge, Weighing on Israeli Shekel
Renewed US-Iran tensions have pushed the US dollar above 3.05 shekels, weakening the Israeli currency amid investor flight to safe havens. The Bank of Israel may intervene to stab…
Altshuler Shaham Founder Steps Back as Firm Restructures Amid Client Exodus
Altshuler Shaham, Israel's third-largest investment firm, is restructuring its management as founder Gilad Altshuler steps back amid a client loss of 140.3 billion shekels over fi…
Israeli Finance Ministry Advances Pension and Investment Reforms Amid Revenue Goals
Israel's Finance Ministry is advancing reforms to reduce pension contributions and unify investment accounts, aiming to boost consumption and increase state revenues. While higher…
Israeli Banks Lose Majority Control of National Payment Clearing Center Board
Israel's largest banks have lost majority control of the Bank Clearing Center's board, replaced by fintech and digital bank representatives as part of a regulatory effort to boost…
Bank of Israel Rate Cut Sparks Mixed Mortgage Refinancing Prospects Based on Loan Year
Avissaror Prepares Stock Offering at Reduced Valuation of 2.2 Billion Shekels
Avissaror is preparing a stock offering at a reduced valuation of 2.2 billion shekels, down from 2.6 billion. The family-owned real estate company operates nationwide with major p…
Netanyahu’s Economic Promises Fall Short Amid Rising Costs and Unfulfilled Reforms
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s economic promises over the past four years, including fighting the high cost of living, tax cuts, and housing initiatives, have largely gone un…
Israel Raises Gasoline Prices by 61 Agorot Amid Global Oil Surge and Currency Shift
Israel is raising gasoline prices by 61 agorot to 8.09 shekels per liter due to a global oil price surge and a stronger dollar. Taxes make up a large part of the cost, generating…
Israeli Finance Ministry Proposes Cutting Mandatory Pension Contributions to Boost Consumption
Israel's Finance Ministry is considering reducing mandatory pension contributions to increase workers' net income and boost consumption amid budget deficits. While this could ease…
Mortgage Advisors and Lawmakers Gather in Jerusalem to Push for Professional Regulation
The Mortgage Advisors Association convened a major conference in Jerusalem to promote legislation regulating mortgage advisors amid rising mortgage volumes. Key lawmakers and indu…
Bank of Israel Warns Lenient Bankruptcy Laws Lead Banks to Tighten Credit Access
The Bank of Israel's research shows that lenient bankruptcy laws intended to help debtors cause banks to tighten credit access for all borrowers, leading to long-term credit ratio…
Hundreds of Thousands Overpay Bank Fees in Israel, New Caps to Ease Costs
A Bank of Israel report shows average monthly bank fees for accounts and debit cards rose to 31.6 shekels, with many customers overpaying by up to four times. Smaller investors pa…
How To Refinance Only The Costly Part Of Your Mortgage In Israel
In Israel's high-interest environment, many borrowers can improve their mortgage terms by selectively refinancing costly loan components. Financial advisor Tomer Veron explains th…
High Mortgage Volume in June Reflects Past Deals, Not Housing Market Revival
Israel's June mortgage surge to 11 billion shekels mainly reflects fulfillment of older contracts, not new housing demand, according to the Finance Ministry. Market experts expect…
Israeli Regulators Accelerate Crypto Integration with New Clear Guidelines and Stablecoin Legislation
Israel’s Capital Market Authority and Bank of Israel are rapidly advancing cryptocurrency regulation, allowing licensed firms to trade the top 50 digital coins under strict criter…
Bank of Israel Urged to Lower Interest Rates Amid Sharp Inflation Drop
With inflation falling to 1.6%, Israel's economy shows strong resilience despite war and fiscal challenges. Experts call on the Bank of Israel to lower interest rates to support g…
Alber Increases Stake in Credit 360 to Expand Mortgage Lending in Israel
Alber, led by Eli Elazra, has increased its stake in Credit 360 to 20.75%, investing 46 million shekels to expand its mortgage lending in Israel. Alber aims to grow its mortgage p…
Israeli Knesset to Vote on Law Allowing Continued Investment in Hedge Funds via Mutual Funds
The Israeli Knesset is voting on a law to allow continued investments in hedge funds through mutual funds, securing the sector's future after operating under temporary extensions…
High Credit Card Interest in Israel Revealed: How to Avoid Costly Debt Traps
Many Israeli credit card users unknowingly incur high interest rates through "fixed charge" revolving credit plans, with rates around 15%. These plans allow partial monthly paymen…
AI Disruption Threatens Israeli Workforce and Economy, Experts Warn
AI-driven changes in Israel's labor market are causing significant unemployment among older workers, with inadequate government training programs exacerbating the issue. Experts w…
Israel Faces High Risk of Tax Hikes and Social Benefit Cuts After October Elections
Following Israel's October 2026 elections, the new government faces strong pressure to raise taxes and reform social benefits due to a high deficit, defense costs, and a depleting…
Real Estate Credit Drives Israeli Business Loans to 16-Year High Amid Market Struggles
Israeli business credit has reached a 16-year peak, driven mainly by loans to real estate and construction firms facing a market slowdown. Despite rising credit, the housing secto…
Israeli Cabinet Approves NIS 70 Billion Military Procurement Without Budget Source Identified
Israel's Cabinet Committee approved a NIS 70 billion military procurement plan amid security threats, but the Finance Ministry requires the government to identify budget sources…
Bank of Israel Warns Public on How to Spot Phishing Messages Impersonating Banks
The Bank of Israel warns that phishing messages impersonating banks aim to steal personal data by creating urgency and redirecting users to fake sites. It advises not to share pas…
Dollar Weakens Against Shekel Ahead of US Fed Rate Decision Amid Iran Tensions
The US dollar weakened against the Israeli shekel and other currencies ahead of the Federal Reserve's expected rate decision amid easing Iran conflict fears. Israeli economists wa…
