Israel joins Paris Club of rich creditor nations

haaretz.com Israel was accepted into the Paris Club of creditor nations on Tuesday, in a clear indication of international recognition for its economic accomplishments... The Paris Club is an informal group of 20 countries, including the United States, that collectively negotiate deals with poor countries struggling with huge debts... It can cancel or restructure debts when countries are at risk of default... Finance Minister Yair Lapid lauded the Paris Club announcement, saying it "shows Israel's economic might and presents additional proof that Israel's place is alongside the strongest countries." "We are like two Israels in one," said Dan Ben-David, executive director of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies, an independent Jerusalem think tank.