Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed an order this evening (Tuesday) raising the VAT exemption ceiling on purchases from abroad from $75 to $130.
The order will take effect at midnight.
Smotrich said: "As I have said all along, I will not let a handful of communists in the Likud and the irresponsible opposition that fights against the citizens of Israel win.".
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
He stated: "I am determined to fight the cost of living. The previous order proved itself even before it expired tonight in the Knesset. Israeli citizens have stopped being captives of the monopolies, and competition has already begun to lower prices.".
The minister made it clear that "in the face of those who try to stop competition and leave the public dependent on monopolies, we choose the public. In the face of the entire left, it can be cheap here. I will continue to fight the cost of living for the citizens of Israel.".
Last night, the Knesset plenum rejected the previous order with a majority of 59 opponents against only 25 supporters.
Minister Amichai Eliyahu and MK Limor Son Har Melech of Otzma Yehudit voted against. From the Likud, Yuli Edelstein, David Bitan, Eli Dellal, Sasson Guetta, Shalom Danino, Hanoch Milbitsky, Akram Hasson and Osher Shekalim opposed the proposal. MKs Avi Maoz and Yitzhak Goldknopf also opposed the proposal.
A significant portion of the ultra-Orthodox Knesset members were absent, as were senior government ministers.
