The Bank of Israel on Monday raised the interest rate 0.25% to 4.75% in an effort to curb inflation. The tenth consecutive hike in just over a year brought the interest rate to its highest level since 2006.The decision to raise interest rates came as inflation in Israel continues to soar, with some slight easing but little sign of a halt. Various components of the Consumer Price Index have experienced significant inflationary pressures, indicating a need for urgent action. Last month, the central bank raised the interest rate 0.25% to 4.50%.“Economic activity in Israel is at a high level and is accompanied by a tight labor market, although there is some moderation in a number of indicators,” the Bank of Israel said in a statement. “Inflation is broad and remains high. Therefore, the Monetary Committee decided to increase the interest rate. The interest rate path will be determined in accordance with activity data and the development of inflation to continue supporting the attainment of the policy goal.”
The Bank of Israel said inflation in Israel over the last year, at 5%, was well over its 1%-3% target range, although the rate of growth is lower than last year.“Looking at the past six months, and even more so over the past three months, the pace of inflation is lower than the year-on-year inflation,” it said. “Inflation expectations and forecasts for the first year from all sources are around the upper bound of the target range. Expectations derived from the capital market for the second year onward are all within the target range.”Israel’s economy was still performing well, despite its inflationary issues, the central bank said.“Economic activity in Israel remains strong, but some economic indicators point to a moderation in activity,” it said. “GDP grew by 2.5% in annual terms in the first quarter, a relatively high pace once the temporary effects of changes in vehicle taxation are omitted. The labor market remains tight and in a full-employment environment, but the job-vacancy rate is in a downward trend.”While the central bank’s rate hikes are intended to stabilize the economy, they also affect thousands of mortgage holders.
“It's time for you to wake up - there should be an urgent discussion in the committee on the causes of inflation and the lack of government activity in curbing it. The Israeli government has left the governor of the Bank of Israel isolated in the battle against inflation and left the budget without engines of growth.”
Dubi Amitai
OECD report on Israeli economy advises Bank of Israel to be cautious
On Sunday, Bank Hapoalim said it would try to absorb the interest-rate increase for one year in an effort to protect its customers from the financial burden. Hapoalim made a similar move in January.