During Operation Roaring Lion (מבצע שאגת הארי), the Bank of Israel is requiring banks to provide emergency financial relief. Individual banks also introduced additional benefits for reservists, evacuees, injured individuals, and small businesses.
This guide summarizes:
- Bank of Israel mandated relief
- Special loans
- Mortgage and loan deferral options
- Overdraft interest reductions
- Reservist and soldier benefits
- Small business support
This page is informational and based on official announcements. Terms may change. Always confirm details directly with your bank before making a decision.
If you’re aware of additional benefits, please add it in the comments below or contact us so we can keep this guide updated.
These programs provide short-term relief during a difficult time.
If you’re looking for broader help getting your finances organized – whether that’s budgeting, your mortgage, saving and investing, or building a clear financial plan – I work with English-speaking families in Israel on these issues every day.
You’re welcome to schedule a free consultation if you’d like to talk.
Bank of Israel Mandated Relief Across All Israeli Banks
The Bank of Israel required all Israeli banks to implement a baseline relief framework.
Evacuees, Property Damage Victims, or Physically Injured Individuals
- Mortgages: 3-month payment deferral with no interest and no fees
- Consumer Loans: 3-month payment deferral on loans up to 100,000 NIS with no interest and no fees
Small Businesses
- Physically or Cash Flow Damaged Businesses: 2-month deferral on loans up to 2 million NIS with no interest and no fees
- Reservist-Owned Businesses: If already in overdraft as of 1 March 2026, no interest on overdraft up to 30,000 NIS for 2 months
- All Customers: 2-month deferral on business loans up to 2 million NIS (interest applies)
Source: בנק ישראל גיבש מתווה סיוע שאומץ על ידי הבנקים לתמיכה בלקוחות שנפגעו במבצע שאגת הארי
Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot
These are benefits for Bank Mizrahi-Tefahot customers above and beyond the Bank of Israel’s mandates.
All Customers
- Mortgages: For customers who have had their mortgage for at least one year and haven’t had any late payments in the past six months, 1-month payment deferral (no interest, but payment will be spread over the remaining term of the loan)
- Overdraft: Up to 3% reduction in interest rates
Property Damage Victims
- Mortgages: 6-month payment deferral with no interest and no fees
- Bridge Loan: Up to 150,000 NIS at Prime rate for 6 months until state compensation is received
Reservists
- Checking (Current) Account: Exemption from account management fees
- Overdraft: 0% interest on overdrafts up to 10,000 NIS
Small Business
- Physically Damaged or Evacuated Business: 3-month deferral on loans up to 2 million NIS with no interest and no fees
- Reservist-Owned Businesses: 0% interest on overdrafts up to 30,000 NIS for 3 months
- Overdraft: Up to 3% reduction in interest rates
Source: הקלות בעקבות שאגת הארי
First International Bank of Israel (Habeinleumi)
These are benefits for First International Bank of Israel customers above and beyond the Bank of Israel’s mandates.
Reservists
- Loans
- Up to 12,000 NIS for 12 months with no interest
- Up to 100,000 NIS for 84 months at Prime rate
Career Soldiers
- Loan: Up to 12,000 NIS for 12 months with no interest
Small Business
- Loans: Up to 50,000 NIS for 36 months at Prime + 0.5%
Source: שאגת הארי – מתווה הקלות
Bank Hapoalim
These are benefits for Bank Hapoalim customers above and beyond the Bank of Israel’s mandates.
All Customers
- Loans: 3-month deferral (up to 250,000 NIS) (interest applies)
Evacuees
- Special Loan: Up to 40,000 NIS for 40 months with no interest
Reservists
- Special Loan: Up to 50,000 NIS for 60 months at Prime + 0.5% interest
- Business Overdraft: Two months with no interest on up to 30,000 NIS of overdraft
Small Businesses
- Special Loan: Up to 100,000 NIS for 24 months at Prime + 1.0% interest with an option for 6-months grace
Customers Located Abroad
- Mobile Roaming: A gift of a 3GB roaming data package
- Hotel Discount: A 500 NIS discount on a hotel booked through their portal
Source: הטבות והקלות ללקוחות and בנק הפועלים עומד לצד לקוחותיו במבצע שאגת הארי
Bank Leumi
These are benefits for Bank Leumi customers above and beyond the Bank of Israel’s mandates.
Reservists
- Mortgages: 3-month payment deferral (interest applies)
- Consumer Loans: 3-month deferral (up to 100,000 NIS) (interest applies)
- Overdraft: For accounts in overdraft as of 27 February 2026, 1% reduction in interest rates
Conscripted Soldiers (שירות סדיר)
- Overdraft: For accounts in overdraft as of 27 February 2026, 1% reduction in interest rates
Small Businesses
- Business Loans: 3-month deferral (up to 2 million NIS) (interest applies)
- Loan Offer: 30,000 NIS loan for 36 months with a 6-month grace period on the principal (interest applies)
- Overdraft: For accounts in overdraft as of 27 February 2026, 1% reduction in interest rates
Source: הקלות ללקוחות בנק לאומי בעקבות מבצע שאגת הארי
Mercantile Bank
These are benefits for Mercantile Bank customers above and beyond the Bank of Israel’s mandates.
All Customers
- Loan: Up to 20,000 NIS for up to 48 months, rates starting at Prime + 1%
Property Damage Victims
- Loan: Up to 100,000 NIS no interest balloon loan for six months or until compensation is received
Small Business
- Credit Line: Automatic 15% increase in credit line (min 2,000 / max 15,000 NIS) with no interest or fees on the added portion
- Loan: Up to 150,000 NIS for periods as long as 84 months at rates starting at Prime + 1-1.5%
Source: הקלות ללקוחות במסגרת מלחמת שאגת הארי
Bank Discount
These are benefits for Bank Discount customers above and beyond the Bank of Israel’s mandates.
All Customers
- Mortgages: 3-month payment deferral (interest applies)
- Consumer Loans: 3-month payment deferral (interest applies)
- Deposits: Early withdrawal of up to 50,000 NIS from NIS deposits without penalty to the principal
Small Business
- Credit Line: Automatic 15% increase in credit line (min 2,000 / max 15,000 NIS) with no interest or fees on the added portion
Source: דיסקונט אתכם ובשבילכם
One Zero
These are benefits for One Zero customers above and beyond the Bank of Israel’s mandates.
Property Damage Victims
- Voucher: 1,500 NIS Wolt voucher
Customers Located Abroad
- Mobile Roaming: A gift of a 10GB roaming data package
Reservists
- Checking (Current) Account: Exemption from account management fees
Source: Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the bank and program. Contact your bank directly to ensure your eligibility and enrollment.
Final Thoughts
Operation Roaring Lion relief measures are designed to provide short-term breathing room.
They are not a substitute for long-term financial planning.
Before deferring a mortgage or taking an emergency loan, make sure you understand:
- The total cost impact
- The repayment structure
- The effect on future refinancing
- The impact on cash flow after the relief period ends
If you have a significant mortgage or business exposure, getting clarity before making a decision can prevent unnecessary long-term costs.
