Bank of Israel head hints more spending may come after initial announcement of massive foreign currency purchase fails to curb shekel; bank is 'fighting gravity,' says top analyst

PM's stimulus plan wasn't coordinated with Treasury and is opposed by attorney general, who says it's illegal due to proximity to March elections

In policy shift, central bank announces the scope of forex purchases, to provide market with certainty about its commitment to keep shekel appreciation in check

Amid severe economic conditions caused by pandemic, Finance Ministry also forecasts GDP contraction of 3.3%

Bank of Israel forecasts GDP contraction of 3.7% in 2020; if fast pace of inoculation continues, economy seen to grow 6.3% in 2021 and 5.8% in 2022, but uncertainty remains high

Scenes demonstrate challenge of instituting a national closure, which perhaps unintentionally lead citizens to gather in large crowds both before and after restrictions take effect

Bank of Israel says economic damage of latest closure actually expected to be somewhat less than previous ones, due to more lax restrictions and schools staying partly open

In bid to spur pandemic hit market, Israelis will now be permitted to take up to two-thirds of a mortgage with a variable interest rate

Rapid appreciation of Israeli currency may make it harder for economy to recover from crisis, central bank governor warns

News about vaccine is positive but it is unclear when doses will reach Israel; until then, 'morbidity is expected to continue affecting economic activity,' central bank says