Israeli Government Launches Pre-Election Economic Perks Amidst Criticism
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Ten days before elections, Israeli government ministries have launched a series of economic initiatives, including debt relief, tax reductions, and support programs, totaling hundreds of millions of shekels. These measures, seen as pre-election "gifts," are criticized as a distraction from long-standing issues like the high cost of living. While some initiatives require applications by specific dates, others, like fuel tax cuts, extend beyond the election. The author suggests these actions are strategically timed and funded from existing reserves, questioning the ministers' past inaction on economic hardships.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli government ministries are rolling out economic benefits and support programs just ten days before elections.
- Initiatives include debt relief for public housing, compensation for businesses, and expanded rehabilitation services.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will reduce gasoline excise tax twice before and after the election.
- The author criticizes these pre-election "gifts" as a distraction from the high cost of living.
- These economic measures are seen as strategically timed and funded from existing ministry reserves.
With just ten days until the elections, Israeli government ministries have initiated a series of economic initiatives aimed at benefiting citizens. These "gifts," as described by the author, are seen as a strategic move, likely encouraged by Prime Minister Netanyahu, to coincide with the election period and expire shortly thereafter. The Accountant General in the Ministry of Finance, Michal Boayango Abadi, announced a NIS 40 million support program for public institutions impacted by the war, with applications due October 18. The Tax Authority is also offering compensation of up to NIS 2 million per incident for businesses affected by "protection" rackets, a program estimated to cost NIS 35 million and valid until December 5.
The Ministry of Construction and Housing has introduced a debt settlement plan for public housing residents, allowing for up to a 50% conditional debt write-off and installment payments for the remainder, with applications accepted until December 31. The National Insurance Institute, without a CEO for four years, has allocated NIS 28 million to expand rehabilitation services for victims of hostile acts. Even the Ministry of Justice, under Yariv Levin, has launched a campaign to help individuals reclaim property managed by the Custodian General, promising return within three months if unclaimed assets are identified.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is set to reduce the excise tax on gasoline by NIS 1 per liter twice, for a period of two months extending beyond the elections, at an estimated cost of NIS 500 million. The author anticipates further "pampering" initiatives in areas like electricity, culture, and sports, potentially including aid for reservists or residents of northern Israel. The article suggests these measures fall into a gray area between election campaigning and routine ministry work, requiring no special legal approval due to their limited budgets and funding from existing surpluses or reserves.
These "gifts" are characterized as a "deception exercise" and a distraction from the persistent high cost of living over the past four years, including food, rent, housing, education, and gasoline. The author questions the timing of these initiatives, asking where the ministers have been in recent years. Unlike previous elections, Netanyahu is not making widespread promises, possibly due to the current macroeconomic indicators being favorable while microeconomic realities, such as the cost of living, remain challenging. The article concludes by humorously suggesting that elections should occur twice a year, echoing a sentiment of constant financial relief.
Mentioned
