Knesset passes in 1st reading bill to help businesses hurt by Omicron wave

The Knesset has passed in its first reading legislation aimed at helping businesses financially impacted by the past winter’s coronavirus wave, brought on by the Omicron variant.

In particular, the proposal would give a financial grant to businesses that suffered a 35 percent drop in income in January and February of this year, in comparison to the same period in 2019.

Thirty-four MKs voted in favor with no opposition, and the measure will move to the Knesset’s Finance Committee for further discussion.

The bill has been pushed by Yamina MK Abir Kara, who has demanded initiatives in support of small businesses and self-employed persons as a condition of his staying in the coalition.