Shas party leader Minister Aryeh Deri has announced that if the government does not implement the zero value added tax plan on essential items as promised in the coalition agreement, it will break from the coalition.

Deri spoke to the media, well aware that he is in a powerful position since the coalition has an only one seat majority. Deri decided to release his first threat to topple the coalition early into his tenure, sending a message to voters that for him it is about fulfilling commitments to voters and not a seat at the cabinet table.

Deri did not set a limit for the implementation of the zero VAT policy.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)