Israel's central bank cuts interest rate to 4.5 pct amid ongoing conflict

JERUSALEM, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's central bank announced on Monday the decision to lower its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to the new rate of 4.5 percent, according to a statement released by the bank.

"In view of the war, the Monetary Committee's policy is focusing on stabilizing the markets and reducing uncertainty, alongside price stability and supporting economic activity," said the