The Religious Zionist Party announced this afternoon (Wednesday) that it will not vote with the coalition until the 'Benefits for Reservists Law' initiated by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is approved in second and third readings.
The faction's statement stated: "Reservists before everyone else. The State of Israel owes them everything and this trumps any political consideration. No MK will be allowed to harm the reservists.".
Sources close to Minister Smotrich explained that the law aimed at reducing tax payments to reserve soldiers by up to 12,000 shekels per year has been waiting on the Finance Committee's table for months.
The minister's office said: "Despite this, committee chairman Hanoch Milivitsky insists on stalling the law for petty political considerations and is doing everything he can to prevent the law from being promoted. Milivitsky is harming the Milon members for the sake of conspiracies for members of the Likud Center.".
Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz responded to the Religious Zionist Party's announcement and explained why he is preventing the law from being passed.
""The bill in its current form drastically discriminates against many reservists, especially students and those with low incomes, who will not be able to take advantage of the benefit. The purpose of the bill is welcome, but changes are needed, and there is agreement on this among all members of the Finance Committee.".
He added: "It's a shame that someone who has been opposing ultimatums and boycotts for three years is acting in this way instead of resolving the matter substantively, and refusing any compromise offered to him. We seek to benefit all reserve soldiers, not just those with high incomes. I support Finance Committee Chairman Milbitsky and the committee members for their just struggle.".
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