January 26, 2024, March 28, 2024, and May 24, 2024, relating to Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza and related reporting. The case is pending, and Israel maintains that it continues to act in full compliance with applicable law.
On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court seated in The Hague (the “ICC”) announced the issuance of arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, Israel is not a member of the ICC, and Israel’s position is that the warrants violate Israel’s right to defend itself and carry out actions vital to any democratic state that operates according to the rule of law and fights against terror. On December 13, 2024, Israel filed two appeals against the decision of the ICC. The effects of the ICC’s issuance of the warrants (including whether they will be enforced by an ICC member state) on Israel’s foreign relations, if any, are not clear.
In October 2023, following the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) changed its outlook on Israel’s credit rating from “Stable” to “Negative”. In April 2024, S&P downgraded Israel’s credit rating to A+ from AA- and placed Israel’s outlook on “Negative”, and in October 2024, S&P further downgraded Israel’s credit rating to A, with a “Negative” outlook.
In April 2023, Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) changed its rating outlook for Israel from “Positive” to “Stable”. In October 2023, Moody’s placed Israel on “Rating Under Review,” and in February 2024, Moody’s downgraded Israel’s credit rating to A2 from A1, with a “Negative” outlook. In September 2024, Moody’s further downgraded Israel’s credit rating to Baa1, with a “Negative” outlook.
In October 2023, following the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) placed Israel on “Rating Watch Negative”. In August 2024, Fitch downgraded Israel’s credit rating to A from A+, with a “Negative” outlook.
Although there have been no further credit downgrades, other ratings agencies may also review Israel’s rating and it is possible that current events will continue to negatively affect such ratings.
Israel’s political environment and military activity level may continue to be volatile.
The Middle East and North Africa, including Israel, have experienced significant political instability, and Israel has been subject to ongoing security concerns. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have occurred between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Political instability in the Middle East has increased since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, news of Iran’s reported nuclear program and the emergence of the ISIS terrorist organization. Since 2005, when Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, terrorist violence against Israel from Gaza has increased. On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist organization, launched an unprecedented terror attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Following the attack, Israel’s Minister of Defense declared a special home front situation in the region, which was later extended to the entire country. Subsequently, Israel’s Ministerial Committee for National Security Affairs decided to undertake military action, which resulted in enabling the drafting of more than 300,000 reservists, and launching a war in Gaza with the aim of negating Hamas’ political and military capabilities in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages. In light of these developments, leaders from opposition parties joined the government as part of an emergency unity government, which was in place until June 9, 2024, when the National Unity Party departed from the government.
In northern Israel, Israel shares borders with Syria and Lebanon, where Hezbollah, another terrorist group, is active. From the beginning of the war in Gaza, Hezbollah has launched a myriad of aerial attacks into northern Israel, which forced many residents to relocate from their homes. In October 2024, Israel launched a limited ground operation in the border villages of southern Lebanon, intending to prevent a potential imminent invasion by Hezbollah terrorists. A 60-day ceasefire began on November 26, 2024, which has largely remained in effect and was extended until February 18, 2025.
Although Israel, together with the United States and other allies, is striving to prevent further escalation of the war and other military activity, there remains a risk that a wider regional conflict may yet occur. On April 13, 2024, Iran attacked Israel with more than 300 drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The Israel Defense Forces, together with an international and regional military coalition, intercepted 99% of the missiles and drones. On October 1, 2024 Iran launched an additional 181 ballistic missiles toward Israel