In an interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the Zionist foundation of the new tax reform for new olim, while calling on Jews worldwide to make aliyah. Speaking to Arutz Sheva at the launch of the reform, Smotrich said, "The State of Israel opens its gates, its hands, its heart to its brothers and sisters in the diaspora and for Israelis who have left. We want them to return."
The minister unveiled a comprehensive tax reform that grants a full income tax exemption to new immigrants for two years, followed by a reduced rate over the next three years. "A huge reform that will give full tax exemption to immigrants. Full exemption for two years, and a discount for another three years," he said. "This is an incentive to bring the money from abroad to the State of Israel. It is a correct move Zionistically; I am convinced that it will sustain itself and will be correct economically. But again, it is mainly a Zionist move."
Smotrich declared that "2026 will be a year of aliyah," urging Diaspora Jews to return home amid rising global antisemitism. "Unfortunately, there is so much antisemitism and severe consequences for Jews in the Diaspora, in the United States, in France, in London. We are calling on everyone to come home." (Ed note: Smotrich, about Mamdani: "Okay, the man isn't someone who loves Israel and Jews." I say: "Smotrich, ya just gotta love that guy.") (Read More)
