250 mayors in unprecedented criticism and urgent call to the prime minister and finance minister: "Immediately stop the outrageous and detached budget proposal that harms the citizens of the country!"
Protest against the budget in front of the Knesset (Archive) | Yoni Rikner
In an urgent letter sent by the Local, Regional Government Center and Forum 15, it was claimed that the budget is no less than a fatal blow to the education system, welfare, the periphery and reserve soldiers.
This outcry by the mayors comes after it was revealed that the Finance Ministry is currently formulating the 2024 budget, which will include difficult decrees that will harm the middle class, despite the opposition of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich – and despite the war.
Votes on the 2023 State Budget, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
These include raising taxes, income tax on rent, freezing child credit points, freezing the public transportation reform, tax on orders from shopping sites abroad, the "Netflix tax," and canceling benefits for those who complete an academic degree.
Haim Bibas, Chairman of the Local Government Center: "This is nothing less than brazenness and complete disconnection, a disregard for the contribution of those who stopped their lives on October 7 and have been fighting for our lives and security ever since. The budget is an oppression of the public, and even in wartime."
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us