(Communicated by the Ministry of Finance)

Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz and Governor of the Bank of Israel, Prof. Stanley Fisher met this morning at the office of the Minister of Finance in Jerusalem and discussed the performance of the economy in the shadow of "Operation Pillar of Defense" and its implications. Director General of the Ministry of Finance Doron Cohen, Head of Economics and State Revenues at the Ministry of Finance Dr. Michael Sarel and Assistant Governor of the Bank of Israel Dr. Karnit Flug also participated in the meeting.

The Minister of Finance and the Governor agreed that for the time being, the markets appear to be performing properly. Foreign and local investors recognize the ability of the Israeli economy to emerge from security crises of various scopes without any significant harm. Experience from similar incidents in the past shows that the economy resumes full operation and, within the medium range, even compensates for damage that was incurred from these incidents in the short range. The Minister of Finance and the Governor stressed the importance of constantly monitoring developments.

Minister of Finance Dr. Yuval Steinitz: "The Israeli economy has displayed maturity and stability in previous security crises. I am convinced that the economy will survive the present crisis as well."