BREAKING NEWS

Cabinet passes economic aid package for South border towns

The cabinet approved a package of tax breaks, subsidies and economic assistance for southern border communities with in rocket range rocket range of Gaza, including Sderot.
This includes a 20 percent tax exemption, a 30% discount on local property tax, an exemption from Israel Land Administration leasing fees and day care subsidies.
At five area centers, it is also offering residents expanded psychological and social services for those suffering from shock.
The Sderot mental health care center will receive additional aid, including critical care ambulances, operation of a night medical switchboard and increased staff.
The cabinet granted an additional NIS 5 million to regional councils and NIS 8 million to the Sderot municipality.
Area businesses will a 24% discount on local property taxes. Farmers will receive a 15% preference in the allocation of foreign workers for agriculture.
The government has taken similar steps to strengthen the area in the past four years, to the tune of NIS 785 million.