Economic Party Leader Claims Coke Can Costs NIS 11, Ex-MK Disputes Prices

Yaron Zelekha, chairman of the Economic Party and a candidate for the 26th Knesset, claimed on Channel 14's 'Ha'Patriotim' program that a can of Coca-Cola costs 11 shekels, linking this price to alleged cronyism and the concentration of power between business and government. Zelekha suggested this price was set because the owner of Coca-Cola also owns Channel 12, implying a deliberate pricing strategy.

Former Knesset Member Abir Kara responded to Zelekha's assertion by posting actual prices from various supermarket chains. Kara stated that a can of Coca-Cola sells for 3.96 shekels at Yohananof, 3.33 shekels on sale at Rami Levy, and 3.49 shekels at Hash Market. He also noted prices of 8.90 shekels at Super-Pharm and 10 shekels at Beil. Kara criticized Zelekha's understanding of the cost of living, stating that effective solutions require accurate knowledge of current prices.

Kara further attacked Zelekha's economic viewpoints, questioning his ability to manage economic issues given his alleged lack of basic price awareness. He accused Zelekha of previously opposing reforms in the dairy, cellular, and cement sectors, and of representing tycoons against the public. Kara also mocked Zelekha's consistent use of the 'cronyism, monopolies, wealthy owners, Channel 12' narrative to explain economic issues.

Additionally, Kara pointed out Zelekha's recent shift in stance, now supporting free imports after previously opposing the dairy reform with what Kara called 'absurd claims.' Kara concluded by suggesting Zelekha's change in position might be motivated by a desire for a Knesset position rather than a genuine effort to lower prices, implying that Zelekha's past financial backers were not delivering electoral results.