A research study says we could halve the number of Israeli households under the poverty line within five years - without any substantial cost. The key: No VAT on food.

"The scope of poverty in Israel, about 20.6 percent of all households, is the among the largest in the developed world. This can be reduced by half within five years, without substantial additional cost to the budget, by implementing seven steps, including cancellation of VAT on all food products, instead of a gradual, across-the-board reduction," concludes a new study published recently by the Institute for Economic Policy.

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The study, conducted by Dr. David Sheinin, shows that cancellation of VAT on food is progressive, and highly significant for families in the weaker economic sector, where food is a central component of household expenses.

The six other steps proposed by the institute's study are:

? Personal income tax reporting, similar to the method used in the U.S. This would enable detailed handling of economic failures.

? Drastic reduction in the number of foreign workers in Israel, to encourage employment of Israelis and increase wages in the weaker sectors.

? Encouragement of investment in traditional market sectors such as textiles, metal and construction to attract Israeli workers and replace cheap foreign workers.

? Immediate and complete transition to the long school day, until 5 P.M.for all pupils, including enrichment classes, assistance with homework and provision of two full meals to encourage women to work.

? Implementation of mandatory pension insurance to be financed by employees and employers, reducing the problem of elderly poor to a minimum.

? Financial support for every elderly person under the poverty line to raise them above it.

According to the study, in 21 percent of all poor households the average age of the head of household is over 65.

Sheinin argues that the large proportion of elderly among the poor reflects that they are not receiving adequate pension benefits to live on.

"Their economic condition is not expected to improve unless they receive additional income from the state," the report stated in its conclusions.