The extent of poverty in Israel is the highest in the western world, with one out of every four citizens is defined as poor, according to a report published this week by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (O.E.C.D.). That statistic is 2-1/2 times the average number of poor people per capita in the developed world.

Israel ranks third in terms of the social gaps between the rich and poor, following Turkey and Mexico, according to IDF Army Radio.

The O.E.C.D. report criticizes government taxation policy for not significantly reducing the proportion of poor.