Cancer Society Calls for Immediate Cancellation of Tax Exemptions on Smoking Products in Israel

On Wednesday, the Cancer Society submitted a petition to the High Court, calling for the complete and immediate cancellation of tax exemptions on smoking products entering Israel. The society argues that this subsidy creates a severe distortion without any substantive justification.

According to the petition filed against the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Health, the Finance Committee of the Knesset, and the Airports Authority, the government of Israel has authorized the Minister of Finance to cancel the exemption on smoking products. However, despite this authorization, smoking products purchased duty-free still benefit from tax exemptions.

The Cancer Society claims that smoking is a significant threat to public health, causing serious illness, disability, and premature death. In Israel, where smoking rates are high compared to OECD countries, smoking products claim around 8000 lives annually. The association emphasizes that these products bought duty-free have no taxes and endanger lives while creating distortions.

The Cancer Society blames the Minister of Finance for withdrawing a draft order to abolish the subsidy in favor of special interests. They argue that his decision was unreasonable and disproportionate as it violates government decisions based on extraneous considerations outside his authority. The society believes that billions of shekels will continue to be spent on harm caused by smoking due to this decision.

In conclusion, cancer is one of Israel’s biggest health challenges with more than 100 people dying every day from cancer-related illnesses. It is imperative that we take steps towards preventing such deaths by removing all forms of incentives that promote tobacco use in our country.

It is important to note that cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide which can cause lung cancer and other respiratory problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

As we continue our efforts towards reducing tobacco use in our country, we must also work towards improving access to healthcare services for those affected by cancer-related illnesses.

We call upon all stakeholders involved in this issue – including government officials and members of civil society – to take action towards improving public health outcomes by removing tax exemptions on smoking products entering Israel.