New housing eligibility laws released earlier in the month are being challenged by the youth faction of the Yisrael Beitenu party. They are taking their case to the High Court of Justice, challenging the amended section that eliminates one’s ability to earn an income as a determining factor in the points system. The new system is seen as a plus for the chareidi community, working against the non-chareidi community, with the latter preferring to earn points for being part of the national workforce.

They are basing their appeal on the fact that this criterion was highlighted in the recent Trachtenberg Committee’s recommendations, which were accepted by the government.

Working with the young faction to bring the case to the nation’s high court is Yisrael Beitenu MK Fania Kirshenbaum, who insists a working couple must be able to find affordable housing. She added those who work, pay income tax and serve in the IDF are “collapsing under the economic strain”

“It was indeed sad to learn that this particular component of the Trachtenberg report was omitted from the new criteria” she added.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)