Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz announced, Tuesday his opposition to lowering the tax benefits granted by the state to buyers of vehicles with low pollution levels and raise their price.
The reduction in the benefit was recommended by the Financy Ministry's chief economist. Katz said, "It is not possible that the Ministry of Finance will determine the vehicle taxation policy, in isolation from the overall considerations for which the Ministry of Transportation is responsible." He noted that his ministry is currently investing billions of shekels in quality public transportation, which will lead to a reduction in the use of private cars during peak hours.