'I'll eradicate poverty within 3 years'

Former finance minister Netanyahu presents Likud's socioeconomic platform.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
netanyahu 298 88 aj (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
netanyahu 298 88 aj
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu vowed to eradicate poverty in Israel within three years while speaking at a press conference where he presented the Likud's economic platform on Tuesday afternoon. Netanyahu suggested a reform in the budget's structure and the tax system in Israel. The past finance minister outlined the Likud's 10-point socioeconomic plan. It includes lowering the maximum income tax from 49% to 40%, and lowering VAT by 2.5% to 14%. He also suggested granting tax benefits to those who employ nannies, and to soldiers and students. The program would lower tuition by about NIS 3,000 per school-year. The Likud also suggested establishing free daycare centers for single mothers, and free afternoon programs for their children, until the age of nine. The program also provides for an increased subsidy for the elderly and a 50% discount on medications for seniors. He also said the Likud would combat the monopolies and to continue processes of privatization and reform. "We are dealing with actions, and not words, and I think that we have results," Netanyahu said. "We saved the economy and I know that today we can pull people out of poverty through policies 'to expand the cake.'" "All of the talk about just social benefits divides 'the cake.' The key to our [the Likud's] policies is to always enlarge 'the cake' and to divide it more wisely. That way, more 'cake' will be left, and not just crumbs."