<p>Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich responded to Economy Minister Nir Barkat’s opposition regarding the expansion of the VAT exemption on personal imports up to $150.</p><p>“My friend Nir, it is expected that as Economy Minister you will not adopt the position of the tycoons and monopolies that suffocate the economy and force Israeli consumers to pay high prices,” Smotrich wrote.</p><p>“I am determined not to give in to the tycoons’ aggressive campaign, to create real competition here and to lower the cost of living. Things can be cheaper here.”</p> | Read More in News from Israel