Ministry of Finance Director General Yael Andorn has played down the economic impact of Operation Protective Edge at a press briefing. She said, "Regarding 2015, I don't see any change in the economic growth forecasts> if there will be any influence on growth it will be in 2014 and it will be marginal."
The Ministry of Finance forecasts 3% growth in 2015.
Another issue raised at the press briefing which is confronting the Ministry of Finance is the 2015 budget and the deficit targets after the extra expense of the Gaza conflict.
She said, "Every budget for every year takes into account unexpected events and so we don't see any change in the outline of the 2015 budget," strongly hinting that she would not respond to any demand for an increase in the budget.
Next year's budget deficit target remains 2.5% but could rise to 3%, giving the government an extra NIS 5 billion.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 31, 2014
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2014