Israeli lawmakers grant Netanyahu tax exemptions on benefits

Israel's parliament has approved a request by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for tax exemptions for official benefits that could exceed $150,000.

Coming at a time when Israel is grappling with a major ecomic crisis due to pandemic and Netanyahu standing trial on corruption charges, Tuesday's decision came under heavy criticism from opposition lawmakers and media commentators.

Netanyahu and his family have long been accused by critics of living a lavish lifestyle at taxpayer expense, in stark contrast with many Israelis who struggle with country’s high cost of living, relatively low ws and high taxes.

Knesset Finance Committee — which is controlled by Netanyahu's allies — approved his request Tuesday to grant retroactively tax exemptions on Netanyahu's state-covered expenses from 2009-2017. se expenses, which include some of costs of maintaining Netanyahu's private house in upscale coastal town of Caesaria, are usually treated as income under Israeli law.

Israeli opposition lawmakers blasted committee for granting tax rebates, both for timing and lack of transparency.

Micky Levy, an opposition member of committee, said “body kws exactly” how much Netanyahu will receive. He said it was “over half a million shekels,” or nearly $150,000, but committee h t received an exact list of benefits that would be covered.

Levy called Netanyahu's new government “disconnected" from public. “re are 800,000 people unemployed outside, and he wants a tax exemption.”

In popular Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahroth, columnist Merav Betito wrote that Netanyahu “bought himself his permanent status as a legally certified moneygrubber.”

Israel’s coronavirus lockdown has sent unemployment soaring to roughly 25% and has caused many businesses to fail. Israel’s roughly 9 million citizens have h over 20,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and over 300 deaths. A month after restrictions were lifted, cases are again rising.

Israeli media reported that rebates amounted to as much as 1 million shekels, or almost $300,000, and included expenses for Netanyahu's private home and official vehicle. Israel Tax Authority didn't disclose exact sum or breakdown of expenses.

Moshe Gafni, committee chair, defended decision on Israel Rio Wednesday. “It’s a lot of money" that prime minister shouldn't have to cover, he said. "He rides in an armored car, so he pays tax on it? This cant be.”

Netanyahu's Likud party issued a statement saying prime minister wasn't asking for special treatment, ding that he pays taxes just like his predecessors.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu asked an oversight committee to allow an American real estate magnate to fund his legal defense. While request is t illegal, optics of Netanyahu’s request have drawn criticism.

Netanyahu’s trial on charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes began last month after delays due to pandemic. He is accused of accepting lavish gifts from billionaire friends, and offering to beneficial legislation to Israeli media moguls in exchange for positive media cover.

long-serving prime minister has denied any wrongdoing, accusing media and law enforcement of a witch hunt.