Amir Yaron

Bank Hapoalim economists do not foresee interest rate cuts in the coming year despite low inflation, citing shekel depreciation, upcoming political elections, and potential tax hikes.

Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron and top Israeli banking executives are attending the IMF annual conference in Bangkok to showcase the economy's resilience, navigate potential European banking sanctions, and address looming global inflation risks.

Gabi Fishman, acting head of the Information and Statistics Department at the Bank of Israel, is stepping down after 40 years of service, shaping major economic policies.

Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron used his personal credibility to convince banks to maintain ties with the Palestinian Authority until 2027, averting an immediate diplomatic crisis caused by government inaction.

Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron urged developers to lower housing prices to revive the market and opposed Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to lock in a 400 billion NIS defense budget.

Professor Amir Yaron explained the Bank of Israel's decision to lower the interest rate to 3.25%, noting it was made despite expected inflation growth. Regarding real estate, he added: "I would like to see contractors continue to lower prices." He emphasized that political pressure does not affect him: "The walls of the monetary committee room are very thick."

Following a rigorous search process, Professor Amir Yaron has appointed Limor Schwartz, an expert with 25 years of experience in data and artificial intelligence, as the new Director of the Information and Statistics Department at the Bank of Israel.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron tempered expectations for monetary easing on September 1, despite inflation falling to a five-year low. While a strong shekel and low indices support a rate cut, the central bank remains cautious due to various economic and geopolitical risks.

The local foreign exchange market remains calm following the shekel's recent retreat. Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron stated that an interest rate cut at the September 1 meeting is not guaranteed.

Bank of Israel Governor Professor Amir Yaron told Bloomberg that rising uncertainty makes a September interest rate cut uncertain. While praising strong growth data, the Governor emphasized the need for caution.

The Bank of Israel has launched a financial support program for 4,500 IDF soldiers facing economic hardship. The initiative is backed by a 7.2 million shekel budget.

On Friday, Globes revealed that Benjamin Netanyahu is demanding to open the state budget and increase the defense budget by 400 billion shekels over 13 years. In his first response, Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron warns of a rise in the debt-to-GDP ratio and says: 'I was not involved'

While the Bank of Israel interest rate is falling, mortgage rates are not adjusting accordingly. Banks are increasing interest margins, offsetting a significant portion of the economic rate cuts.