Israel's Government Faces Scrutiny on Election Promises Four Years Later

As Israeli citizens prepare to return to the polls, a review of the current government's campaign promises from nearly four years ago reveals a mixed record of fulfillment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and the ultra-Orthodox parties all made significant pledges during the 2022 election cycle, ranging from economic relief and judicial reform to strengthening settlements and enhancing personal security.

Netanyahu's economic platform included promises of free education for children up to age three and tax reductions. While some tax benefits for parents of young children were implemented, free daycare was not achieved. A plan to reduce VAT from 17% to 12% was reversed, with the rate increasing to 18% in early 2025 to address the budget deficit. Promises to freeze housing mortgage payments were clarified to refer to property taxes, and while a housing cabinet was eventually established, it was delayed and initially headed by another minister.

Significant legislative efforts were made regarding judicial reform, a key promise of the coalition. The Knesset passed a law to reduce the reasonableness standard for judicial review, but it was later overturned by the High Court of Justice. Another law altering the composition of the judicial selection committee was passed but is set to take effect with the next Knesset's term. A law allowing the government to override High Court decisions on certain matters, known as the override clause, was not enacted despite passing a first reading. Other judicial reforms concerning the Attorney General's powers have also been passed but are not yet in effect.

Bezalel Smotrich focused on strengthening settlements in Judea and Samaria, promising to legalize communities, expand construction, and advance Israeli sovereignty. While civilian authority in these areas was transferred to him, and 22 new settlements were approved, official sovereignty has not been applied. Itamar Ben-Gvir aimed to improve public security, reduce benefits for security prisoners, and ease restrictions on firearm permits. Progress was made in reducing prisoner benefits, particularly after the October 7th attacks, and firearm licensing was expanded. However, proposed legal immunity for soldiers and police has not become law, and a national guard is still in the formation process.

Ultra-Orthodox parties also saw some of their key pledges addressed. Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, successfully advocated for the cancellation of taxes on sweetened beverages and single-use items. However, a promise to allocate NIS 1 billion annually for food cards for needy families was not fully met, with significantly lower budgets allocated in 2023 and 2024. United Torah Judaism's demand for a stable legal arrangement for yeshiva students to avoid military conscription remains unresolved, leading to a High Court ruling and the party's subsequent withdrawal from the coalition.

In summary, while some campaign promises have been fulfilled, such as the cancellation of specific taxes and legislative steps in judicial reform and settlement expansion, many others remain incomplete or were reversed. The review serves as a reminder for voters to assess past commitments against current actions as new election pledges are made.