Israeli Blogger Praises Tax Evasion Amidst Concerns Over Government Spending

An opinion piece by Hedi Ben-Amor, published on Zman Israel's blog, argues that tax evasion, estimated by the Tax Authority at 30 billion shekels annually, is a positive development. Ben-Amor, a self-proclaimed social democrat, contends that Israel has become increasingly capitalist and less social-democratic since the Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, came to power. He asserts that tax revenues are increasingly benefiting favored sectors like the ultra-Orthodox and settlers, rather than the general public, leading to the lowest civil investments among OECD countries.

Ben-Amor traces the historical origins of taxation, suggesting it began as organized "protection" money extorted by states from their citizens. He contrasts this with the social-democratic ideal, influenced by thinkers like John Locke, where taxes fund public services and ensure equal opportunity. He criticizes the current Israeli government for what he calls "plundering the public purse" and deepening the "robbery" of citizens' money through budget cuts that benefit the ruling elite.

Reflecting on his experience with the privatization of kibbutzim, Ben-Amor notes how strong elements within kibbutzim resisted community taxes, claiming they were no longer collective. He countered by suggesting they return communal assets to the state if they no longer identified as a kibbutz, a tactic that often changed their minds. He believes that the failure of Marxist socialism worldwide, except for a temporary period in Israeli collective kibbutzim, stems from human nature.

Given the perceived misdirection of public funds and the government's alleged exploitation of citizens through taxation, Ben-Amor expresses personal satisfaction that billions of shekels are being withheld from the state and remain with the individuals who earned them. He cites instances where people prefer paying in cash without a receipt to ensure their money doesn't go to what they consider "thieves."