Likud Advances NGO Tax Credits, Excludes Ultra-Orthodox Ahead of Vote
Six days before the elections, Likud decided to advance Section 46 tax credits for NGOs while excluding ultra-Orthodox organizations, risking an open coalition crisis.
Following a nocturnal drama in the Knesset, tax credit clauses for NGOs under Section 46 were placed on the agenda today. Just six days before the elections, the Likud party has decided to confront the ultra-Orthodox parties by advancing the approval of these clauses while explicitly excluding ultra-Orthodox organizations. This political maneuver stems from a deadlock created with the Tax Authority and the opposition regarding the pending list of associations.
The opposition refused to allow exemption clauses for organizations affiliated with the ultra-Orthodox sector to pass. Consequently, the only remaining solution to break the logjam was to bypass the ultra-Orthodox parties directly. This means Likud and the opposition are expected to vote together in favor of approving the non-Orthodox associations, leaving the ultra-Orthodox ones out.
The dramatic decision was made following direct instructions from the highest level. Coalition sources stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a clear directive to pass the tax credits today, no matter what. Likud has chosen an open collision course with its ultra-Orthodox coalition partners just moments before the polling stations open.
