Israel's long-term credit rating is downgraded by S&P, 2nd major US agency to do so, citing conflict
Israel’s long-term credit rating is being downgraded by S&P, which cited the risk of military escalation with Iran
Israel's long-term credit rating is being downgraded by S&P, which cited the risk of military escalation with Iran. It is the second major U.S. credit ratings agency to do so.
There was an apparent drone attack at a major air base and a nuclear site near the central city of Isfahan early Friday, which is suspected of being part of an Israeli retaliation for Tehran’s unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country days ago.
S&P's downgrade was issued shortly before the strike in Iran, and almost three months after Moody's, another major U.S. credit agency, downgraded Israel's rating due to the “ongoing military conflict with Hamas.”
S&P Global Ratings lowered its long-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Israel to ‘A+’ from ‘AA-’ and the short-term ratings to ‘A-1’ from ‘A-1+.’
The long-term downgrade means Israel's credit rating has moved from a “very strong capacity to meet financial commitments,” to “a strong capacity to meet financial commitments, but somewhat susceptible to adverse economic conditions and changes in circumstances,” according to S&P.
“In our view, the recent increase in confrontation with Iran heightens already elevated geopolitical risks for Israel,” the credit ratings agency said. “We expect a wider regional conflict will be avoided, but the Israel-Hamas war and the confrontation with Hezbollah appear set to continue throughout 2024--versus our previous assumption of military activity not lasting more than six months.”
S&P's outlook on Israel's long-term ratings is negative.
The cost of the war is a major drain on Israel's budget and all three U.S.
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