Environmentalists angered by reversal of price hike on single-use utensils and plates, but ultra-Orthodox community views former government's tariff as attack on its way of life

A tax on single-use tableware that took a bite out of pollution is seen by ultra-Orthodox as an assault on their community; repealing it became a priority for Haredi parties

With ultra-Orthodox using disproportionate amount of single-use tableware, ministers agree to seek a less costly alternative to reduce single-use plastic

Many in the Haredi community saw the last government's tax hike on disposable utensils and sweetened drinks as a targeted attack, which the religious right-wing is now walking back

In Haredi radio station interview, opposition leader pledges to scrap tax hikes on disposable plasticware and sweetened drinks, both hot-button issues for ultra-Orthodox community

Numbers point to 'no less than an environmental emergency,'; all dead turtles subjected to autopsy had plastic in digestive tracts

Clean Coin app deposits credit for people who collect litter, which can then be exchanged for goods, activities and vacations

Environment Ministry says higher levies on single-use cutlery, dishes could cut purchases by 40%; Minister Zandberg: 'Israel's addicted to disposable plastic and it's time to quit'

Review finds that during 2019, Haifa institute bought over 2.3 million disposable cups, nearly a million single-use teaspoons and hundreds of thousands of other single-use items.

Finance and environmental ministries say 100% levy on disposable plasticware, which would go into effect in early 2022 pending Knesset approval, could cut purchases by 40%