Entrepreneurs and investors warn of 'irreversible' damage to economy; outgoing Finance Ministry chief economist calls on government to clear up political uncertainty

Chief economist estimates potential credit rating downgrade could lead to losses of NIS 50-100 billion a year to GDP, slashing tax revenues

Conference attendees hear of 'meteoric' jump in requests for food assistance, and unemployment that will stay high with just one opening for every 16 jobless people

Finance Ministry estimate assesses impact of current limitations, including shuttered commerce and education system

Economy could contract by 5.9%-7.2% this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic; ministry forecasts budget deficit of 13%-14.2% of GDP