Israel’s economy sharply rebounded in the first quarter of 2024 after taking a hit late last year from the war that Hamas started on Oct. 7.
According to preliminary estimates from the Central Bureau of Statistics published on Thursday, gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 14.1% in the first three months of the year, after having contracted at an annualized 21.7% in the previous quarter (revised from a previous estimate of 21%).
The rebound was led by a large increase in private spending and investment, especially in the residential sector.
“The relatively sharp increase in the gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2024 reflects a significant increase in private consumption data and investment in fixed assets after large decreases in the fourth quarter of 2023, but still the private consumption data and investment in fixed assets are affected by the security situation and have not returned to the level before the outbreak of the war,” the CBS statement said.
The 14.1% growth rate was close to the Reuters consensus projection of 15.3%.
Israel’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.8% in April compared to 2.7% in March, data published on Wednesday showed, above expectations of 2.5% although within the government’s annual target of 1-3%.
According to Reuters, the economic rebound plus the slightly higher inflation rate for April could push back Bank of Israel rate cuts, with the next interest rate decision due on May 27.
The central bank forecasts economic growth of around 2% in 2024 if the war is contained and winds down this year without spreading to other fronts.
