[53941] Israel maintains stable credit rating and continues operational activity in Lebanon

Economy and Security: Israel maintains stability

The S&P credit rating agency has confirmed that Israel's credit rating remains at 'A' with a 'stable' outlook. The Accountant General at the Ministry of Finance, Michal Abadi-Boiangiu, noted that the decision "reflects confidence in the resilience of the Israeli economy and its ability to cope even in complex times," adding that geopolitical developments support a decrease in the immediate risk level. According to Political Arena, the rating is based on the assumption that there will be no large-scale military escalation in the second half of the year.

In the military arena, the IDF Spokesperson reported the continuation of operations against terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Among the targets attacked: weapons caches, drone launch posts, and two loaded launchers that were ready for operation. The activity is defined as part of the effort "to remove threats to the citizens of Israel and the IDF forces." At the same time, sources in Israel report that forces in Lebanon remain at positions distant from the border line, and that despite the tension, it seems that the parties are not interested in full-scale combat at this moment.

On the international and criminal front, Current Security News notes that the U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on ten entities and companies from China and Hong Kong for assisting in the development of Iranian UAVs. In addition, the airline Wizz Air has extended the cancellation of its flights to Israel until May 26.

In a local event, the Police Spokesperson's Unit updated that four fans were arrested and six were detained following public disturbances, assault of security guards, and possession of weaponry during the soccer match between Maccabi Haifa and Beitar Jerusalem at Sammy Ofer Stadium.