Israeli 2-shekel coins. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – The international financial services and credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s on Friday affirmed Israel’s international credit rating as positive, giving it an A+ score. The agency’s economic forecast for the Jewish state defined the country’s economy as “stable” and projected it would grow by 3 percent between 2015 and 2018.

But the Israeli economy is not without its challenges, S&P said, naming a high debt ceiling as well as geopolitical factors and regional threats that may destabilize the Middle East, deter foreign investors, and curb growth potential.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Reaffirming Israel’s credit rating reflects the global community’s faith in Israel’s responsible and balanced fiscal policies over the years.”