Israel Faces Close Call on Interest Rates as Iran Tensions Loom

Israel’s central bank is set for a close call when it sets interest rates on Monday, balancing lower inflation and a strong currency against the uncertainties of a potential US-led conflict with Iran.

A thin majority of eight out of 15 economists surveyed by Bloomberg expect the Bank of Israel to trim its base rate to 3.75% while seven others project a hold at 4%.