Israeli economy is deteriorating, strong internal criticism to Sharon's policy

The Israeli economy has witnesses a continuous deterioration especially the sectors of tourism and construction besides the escape of foreign investments as well as the Israeli sums to foreign banks.

The Israeli economy has witnessed its worst performance since 1953, the total GNP decreased at 4.7% in the second half of 2001 after it receded at 3.8% in the first half of the same year, according to the figures of the central bureau for statistics.

For its rate, unemployment has been increased and number of unemployed increased in january at 3700, representing an increase at 9.8% in comparison with number of unemployed in December 2001. Sources at the ministry of social affairs in Israel said that the total number of unemployed in Israel reached 209,300.