Poverty rate rises in Israel

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – The poverty rate in Israel rose by 0.4 percent in 2021 to reach 21 percent of the country’s population, according to an official report on Thursday.

The report by the National Insurance Institute (NII) said 20% of Israel’s 9.6 million population (about 1.95 million people) were considered poor in 2021, falling below the 2021 poverty line, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The 2021 poverty line in Israel sat at about 2,849 shekels for individuals, 5,698 shekels for couples and between 9,117-12,108 shekels for couples with 2 to 4 children.

The report also showed that more than 1 in 4 households in Israel (26%) were unable to cover all monthly expenses in 2021, with 10.6% of households forgoing medical treatment and 6.9% going without buying prescription drugs.

The report attributed the rise in the poverty rate in Israel to the halt of state grants to families due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A new Israeli government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in on December 29. The coalition government said that it has a plan to address the rising living costs, including water, electricity and fuel.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar