Netanyahu Coalition's Major Unfulfilled Promises Ahead of Election
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Ahead of Israeli elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government has failed to fully deliver on major promises made during the 2022 campaign. Key unfulfilled pledges include economic relief measures like VAT increases and Arnona rate hikes, free education from birth, judicial reform's override clause, and a comprehensive law for yeshiva students' military service. While some progress was made in areas like settlement expansion and security measures, significant electoral commitments remain outstanding.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Major coalition promises on economy, judicial reform, and yeshiva student status remain unfulfilled.
- VAT increased and Arnona rates rose, contradicting pledges to ease cost of living.
- Free education from birth was not fully implemented, despite tax benefits for some parents.
- The judicial reform's key 'override clause' stalled, and a law for yeshiva students failed to pass.
- Sovereignty over Judea and Samaria was not formally legislated, despite settlement advancements.
As Israel approaches the upcoming elections, a review of the current coalition's major promises reveals a mixed record of fulfillment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented an economic plan in August 2022, pledging to lower prices, freeze property taxes (Arnona), and provide free education for children from birth. Coalition partners also brought their own commitments, including judicial reform, settling the status of yeshiva students, combating crime, and extending sovereignty to Judea and Samaria. While some of these promises were included in the government's foundational principles upon its formation in December 2022, many have not been fully realized.
Regarding the economy, Netanyahu's promise to ease the cost of living by reducing taxes and freezing Arnona was not met. Instead, VAT increased from 17% to 18% in January 2025 to address budget deficits exacerbated by the war. Arnona rates also continued to rise, with a 5.29% increase in 2025. While import and regulatory reforms were advanced, a broad reduction in prices did not materialize as promised. The pledge for free education from birth also fell short; while tax benefits and increased investment in early childhood frameworks were introduced, free tuition for all children aged zero to three was not implemented, leaving many parents still paying significant monthly fees.
The coalition also failed to deliver on other key promises. A proposed mechanism for young couples to save for housing through government bonds tied to housing prices was not widely implemented. Judicial reform, a central goal, saw its flagship "override clause" stall. While a law to reduce the reasonableness standard was passed and later struck down by the High Court, and a change to the Judicial Appointments Committee was approved with delayed effect, the broad override clause was not enacted before the Knesset's dispersal. The settlement of the status of yeshiva students, a key demand of Haredi parties, faced legal and political hurdles, especially amid calls for increased military conscription. High Court rulings invalidated measures aimed at exempting yeshiva students, leading to coalition disputes and the withdrawal of the United Torah Judaism party. The government stated that only one vote was missing to complete the legislation.
In security, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's promises to restore personal security and combat crime saw some action, including stricter penalties for extortion and expanded gun licensing. However, criminal violence, particularly in the Arab community, remained a severe issue. Bezalel Smotrich's goal of extending sovereignty to Judea and Samaria also saw limited progress. While the government advanced settlement expansion and management changes, a formal law extending sovereignty did not pass its legislative stages, remaining in preliminary preparation.
Overall, while the government took some steps in various areas, many of the significant promises made by Netanyahu and his coalition partners, ranging from economic relief and judicial reform to security and sovereignty, remain unfulfilled as the election approaches.
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