Government rejects law proposing higher minimum wage

The government rejected a proposal submitted by MK Amir Peretz (Labor) to raise the minimum wage in Israel to NIS 4,600 ($1,182) per month, with 19 against and just 10 in favor.

Ministers chose not to pass the bill and in return, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz promised that the negative income tax law would be included in the 2011-12 budget. (Roni Sofer)