Former Defense Minister Amir Peretz is busy these days, making the rounds in Sderot to assist his wife’s mayoral campaign. Achlama Peretz is trying to unseat Mayor Eli Moiyal.

Peretz, a veteran resident of the southern city, is using his notoriety and extensive history as the nation’s number one labor leader, heading the Histadrut National Labor Federation towards boosting Achlama’s campaign.

Peretz, who is still an MK, is working hard on other fronts as well, pushing a bill to cancel the 15.5% VAT (value added tax) in Sderot. The tax is Israel’s equivalent of sales tax, paid around the country with the exception of Eilat, which is designated a free trade zone.

The other candidates in the race are angered over Mrs. Peretz’s abusing the political power enjoyed by the former Labor Party leader. One candidate, David Buskila called the VAT bill an “election gimmick”.

Buskila explains that Peretz has been in Knesset for 20 years “and only now he finds the time to introduce the Sderot tax bill. I hope the bill will pass but I suggest that Achlama begin busying herself with local issues of no less importance, such as the city’s education, future development and sanitation”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)