Tacking cost of living: Bezalel Smotrich extends tariff exemption for multiple food products

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said today (Wednesday) that his ministry would be extending an exemption on import taxes from a long list of vital foodstuffs for two years instead of one, in order to help Israelis struggling with inflation and rising cost of living issues.

Among the products that can be imported freely for the next two years are eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, tomato paste, raisins, pickles, and other commonly purchased foodstuffs.

Minister Smotrich said that "the struggle against the cost of living is a long struggle which requires broad treatment...the cancellation of import taxes together with "good for Europe, good for Israel" laws are important steps that I am leading and whose effect will be felt in every household."

The Finance Ministry said that the move is expected to create overall savings of tens of millions of shekels a year for Israeli households, making it easier to have access to goods at reasonable prices.

The ministry said that this is part of its effort to promote a "responsible" economic policy which combines efforts to ease the public's struggles while maintaining a stable economy.