The agency said in a press release that the change reflects “risks to Israel’s growth, public finances, and balance of payments from the intensifying conflict against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including direct security threats in case of retaliatory rocket attacks against Israel”.
The financial institution took action after Iran launched missiles at several areas in the occupied territories.
Although some Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, defended Israel, reports and videos on social networks indicate that many of these missiles have hit the targets.
The UK defense secretary, John Healey, has confirmed in a post on X that British forces “played their part” in defending Israel during Iran’s retaliatory attack.
“Israel cannot engage in war against Iran without US support,” Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute told Al Jazeera.
Following the Iranian attack, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has sent text messages to supporters calling on them to contact their elected representatives and demand support for Israel against Iran.
“Congress must speak out to unequivocally condemn this attack and reaffirm America’s strong support for our ally,” the pro-Israel lobby group said.
“Urge your elected leaders to (1) reaffirm Israel’s right to defend itself, (2) ensure America will continue to stand with Israel, and (3) call for severe consequences for this blatant aggression by Iran.”
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