MK Uri Maklev (United Torah Judaism) slammed a decision to approve a tax hike for sugary drinks, Kikar Hashabbat reported.

The bill, put forward last year by the Knesset’s Finance Committee, was set to go into effect on January 1, 2022. It was approved Monday night by the Knesset plenum.

Slamming Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu), Maklev said: “Butter is one of the most unhealthy products – but you reduced the customs tax and are encouraging consumption. You don’t want health – you want us to drink sweet [drinks] and give you the money.”

“We are all against the things which are not healthy. But do we deal with health by force? Where is the education? Where are the incentives?!”