Bank of Israel Faces Dilemma as Strong Shekel Impacts Exporters
The Israeli shekel has appreciated significantly against the dollar and euro over the past two years, posing challenges for Israeli exporters. As of the latest data, the dollar is valued at 2.81 shekels, down from 3.72 shekels in June 2024, marking a 25% decrease. Similarly, the euro has fallen by 19% against the shekel. This currency shift means exporters receive fewer shekels for their goods, impacting their revenue. The Bank of Israel, led by Governor Amir Yaron, is considering options to address this issue. These include purchasing dollars to influence the exchange rate, cutting interest rates to make shekel investments less attractive, or taking no action, each with its own set of consequences.