The Finance Ministry warned that the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, which would equate Torah study with military service, would necessitate a 16% tax increase, according to a Yediot report. The warning adds a specific figure to the ministry's earlier Sunday afternoon statement against the bill.
The Finance Ministry has issued a warning that the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study would lead to a 16% tax increase, according to a Sunday afternoon report by Yediot. This represents a specific numerical projection from the ministry, adding to its earlier statement that the bill poses heavy economic and legal dangers.
The new warning follows a statement earlier Sunday (14:19 Jerusalem) in which the ministry warned the bill threatens Israel's economy and legal system, as The Zioneer reported. The bill, advanced by ultra-Orthodox parties, would constitutionally equate Torah study with military service, a long-standing flashpoint in Israeli politics.
The legislation has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, including from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (who opposed the bill on June 8), opposition leader Yair Lapid, and MK Elazar Stern. The bill's proponents argue it enshrines the value of Torah study, while opponents say it undermines the principle of equal service and could harm Israel's economy and international standing.
The precise mechanism for the 16% tax increase has not been detailed. The warning underscores the coalition's internal tensions over the bill, which is expected to face a Knesset vote in the coming days.
6 developments
- DevelopingFinance Ministry warns Torah-study Basic Law would force 16% tax hike
- DevelopingTreasury official: cumulative cost of reserve duty to Israel's economy estimated at NIS 150 billion (2023-2026)
- DevelopingIsrael's Defense Ministry seeks 40-50 billion shekel annual budget increase
- DevelopingIDF warns of continued reserve burden unless service law is fixed
Source and signal
- Internal intake