Netanyahu's economic miracle: pay more, get less
The article examines Netanyahu's claims in a propaganda video about economic achievements and finds a gap compared to government data: structural reforms were not passed, taxes increased, and food price hikes accelerated. It argues that the government 'hid' inflation through a temporary fuel subsidy, and that the decline in housing prices stems from a lack of equity among buyers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a propaganda video alongside Minister Eli Cohen, boasting of economic achievements under the brand 'the free economy.' The article examines the claims against the latest government data and finds the opposite picture. According to it, the number of significant structural reforms to dismantle food and importer cartels stands at zero, and the law to break up monopolies was shelved. VAT was raised from 17% to 18%, property taxes increased by about 11%, and income tax brackets were frozen. The article cites a Tel Aviv University study finding that the rate of food price increases over the past four years was five times higher than in the preceding four years. It claims the government waived nearly half a billion shekels in fuel excise revenue to subsidize its price until after the elections, thereby 'hiding' price increases. Regarding housing, it argues that the price decline stems from a lack of equity among young couples, not from government policy. The article concludes by criticizing Netanyahu's warning against a 'Soviet economy,' noting coalition budgets for yeshiva student stipends as encouraging non-employment.