Finance Ministry Legal Advisor Backs Fuel Tax Cut Proposal
The Israeli Ministry of Finance's legal advisor, Dudi Koblentz, has recommended approving Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's proposal to reduce fuel excise taxes by half a shekel per liter. Koblentz conveyed his recommendation to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, despite professional objections within the ministry and warnings that the move might be politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.
According to Channel 12, Koblentz stated in a legal opinion sent to the Ministry of Justice that the plan faces no legal obstacles. He cited a similar measure taken by Israel in 2022 and comparable actions in other countries as precedents. Koblentz argued that the need to alleviate the burden of the rising cost of living, coupled with these precedents, legally justifies the proposal's approval.
Despite Koblentz's legal assessment, professional staff within the Finance Ministry expressed reservations. They voiced concerns that the timing of the proposed tax cut could be linked to the upcoming elections, suggesting a potential political agenda behind the economic measure.
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