TEL AVIV, June 22 (Reuters) - Israeli stocks rose for a
sixth session on Sunday to hit fresh all-time highs after U.S
attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, which investors believe would
likely prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons anytime
soon.
The broad Tel Aviv 125 index was 1.3% higher, while
the blue-chip TA-35 was 1.2% higher in afternoon
trading.
On the heels of Israeli strikes in Iran, shares rose during
all five sessions last week, gaining some 6%, as Israel hit
Iranian nuclear and military targets prior to Saturday's
surprise U.S. attacks.
"The destruction of Iran's key nuclear facilities by the
U.S. military is, of course, a positive development ... in terms
of improving the regional security environment and reducing
Iran's military and nuclear capabilities," said Mizrahi Tefahot
chief markets economist Ronen Menachem. "It's a game-changer."
Israel began its punishing attacks on Iranian nuclear
facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders
on June 13, which have been met with retaliatory Iranian strikes
against Israel.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had "
obliterated
" Iran's main nuclear sites in strikes overnight with
massive bunker busting bombs, joining an Israeli assault in a
significant new escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Tehran vowed to defend itself, and responded with a
volley of missiles at Israel that wounded scores of people and
destroyed buildings in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Still, for more than a week, local markets have cheered
Israel's actions in Iran.
In addition to gains in shares, government bond prices
have risen, the shekel has appreciated and Israel's risk premium
has edged lower.
Bond prices were up as much as 0.2% on Sunday. The
shekel does not trade on Sunday but it has rallied from
3.61 per dollar on June 11 to 3.48 on Friday and is up some 1%
this month.
"Looking at the medium- to long-term - which is relevant
for many strategic investors - this could represent a genuine
opportunity, possibly related to the prospect of closer ties
between the Saudi and American axis," Menachem said.