The government has approved Economy Minister Aryeh Deri's (Shas) bill to cancel VAT on public transportation, water, and power for the lower classes. The VAT reduction would last until January 1, 2016.
Deri applauded the bill's passing, saying, "I am happy that the decision was approved. I have fulfilled my promise. I promised zero VAT on basic goods and these goods are the most basic. The decision will primarily benefit the weaker sectors of the population, and those that we must help. I want to thank Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon for their support."