Tel Aviv, Nov. 27 -- Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expanded the exemption from VAT on personal imports to a value of up to USD 150, up from the current limit of USD 75.

The Minister said he took this step as part of the fight against the cost of living. The Minister has decided to dramatically expand.

"The Israeli consumer cannot be held captive by tycoons who control the economy," said Smotrich.

According to estimates, four large companies in the clothing and footwear sector in Israel together hold approximately 40 per cent of the market share in this sector and, in effect, set a price ceiling. High and unjustified for all households.

According to data from the Ministry of Finance, the purchasing power of Israeli citizen...