"Businesses and households in the north have undoubtedly suffered a hard blow, but not a fatal one. The north will recover and return to prosperity, but the recovery process will be long," said Bank Leumi EVP Eyal Ben-Haim at a conference. He expects the north to rebound in 2025, particularly as the security situation stabilizes. Ben-Haim also mentioned that the shekel is expected to strengthen this year, leading to a cut in interest rates. He believes that the north will once again be an attractive place for business and quality of life. Bank Leumi has been supporting businesses during the recovery process.