Bank of Israel: Banks will be allowed to reduce the activity of the branch network

Gradually returning to the stricter restrictions from the first closure also in the financial field. In order to maintain public health and the health of employees, the Bank of Israel yesterday ordered that as of Tuesday, the banks will be allowed to reduce the activity of the branch network, provided that the rate of branches open to the public is not less than 80%. In addition, banks may change the hours of operation of the branches, as the circumstances require.
The restrictions on the banks are repeated against the background of the government's decision to take various actions to stop the spread of the disease. This is because the restrictions on movement and crowding in the public space have been tightened, along with a reduction in reception activities
In order to enable continuity in the provision of banking services to the general public, banks will ensure a frontal response to a service that is not provided in the direct channels or to a person who cannot receive it in the direct channels, partly due to the fact that he does not know how to use these channels. On days of distribution of benefits and as long as there are no tightening of restrictions, the branches where there are funds will be opened.
As part of the implementation of the new directive, the banks will consider taking various measures, including notifying customers of the change as soon as possible and the alternatives available to them for receiving the banking service.
In general, the Bank of Israel emphasized that the services will be provided subject to prior appointment and the availability of the service at the branch, with the banks making sure to allocate adequate resources for answering the call center, within a reasonable time, to customers belonging to branches that are not public branches.
The Supervisor of Banks today called on the public to carry out a wide range of banking operations by direct means: by telephone, with automatic devices, in the banking application (widget) and on the bank's website. crowd. At the same time, since the banking system provides essential services, it will be possible to open the branches to receive an audience, but not as on normal days, as stated.