Yaron Zelekha Slams Banks' Profits, Blames Netanyahu for Cost of Living

Former Accountant General Yaron Zelekha, now leading the Economic Party, is making the high cost of living a central theme of his election campaign. He directed sharp criticism at Israeli banks, stating they earned NIS 33 billion in the past year, an amount he believes is double what they should be making. Zelekha argued on Channel 14's "The Patriots" program that taxing banks is not the solution, as the lack of competition means costs are passed on to the public.

"I want to break the power of the banks," Zelekha declared. Program host Yinon Magal challenged Zelekha on his proposed alternatives to current economic policy. Zelekha, in turn, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of exacerbating the cost of living crisis and criticized Channel 14 for what he described as its dedication to preserving Netanyahu's rule. He expressed nostalgia for Netanyahu's approach in 2003, recalling their time together at the Ministry of Finance when they implemented five reforms daily.

Zelekha also addressed potential political alliances, stating he does not rule out cooperating with Yair Golan, despite past criticisms. However, he firmly stated he would not sit with or support any government reliant on Arab parties. Zelekha's campaign aims to highlight economic issues and challenge the established financial and political systems.