Israeli Party Leaders Make Final Election Appeals to Voters

As the election week for the 26th Knesset begins, leaders of major parties have penned appeals to the public, outlining their platforms and promises. The articles, published by N12, detail each leader's focus and vision for Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud emphasizes completing the "great mission" of confronting Iran and ensuring Israel's future, drawing a stark contrast between his "strong right-wing government" supported by President Trump and a potential "dangerous government" led by Gadi Eisenkot, which he claims would include Arab parties and lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He warns against wasting votes on parties below the electoral threshold, citing the 1992 election as a cautionary tale.

Gadi Eisenkot of Yisrael argues for a leadership focused on Zionism and statehood, criticizing the current government's perceived lack of vision and its handling of the post-October 7th period. He proposes forming a broad Zionist government, establishing a state inquiry commission, and dismantling Hamas rule, promising a stable government free from extortion.

Naftali Bennett of Yahad calls for a "revolution of servants," proposing to redirect funds from those who do not serve in the military to those who do, and to dismantle the non-Zionist Haredi state. He also advocates for strong governance and unity, presenting a team of experienced politicians and heroes from October 7th ready to implement pre-prepared plans.

Yair Golan of HaDemocratim highlights the importance of democracy and citizen activism, recounting the protests against the judicial overhaul and the response to the October 7th attacks. He aims to restore security, trust, and hope by establishing a state inquiry commission, ensuring equal burden-sharing, strengthening democracy, separating religion and state, and pursuing political agreements.

Other party leaders also presented their cases: Yousef Jabareen of the Joint List stressed the necessity of removing Netanyahu's government and offering a substantive alternative based on a just peace and two-state solution, while condemning the occupation and human rights violations. Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu focused on security, equality in burden-sharing, and economic responsibility, promising to prioritize workers and those who serve. Aryeh Deri of Shas reiterated his commitment to supporting the weak, preserving Torah study, and safeguarding Israel's Jewish identity, while also addressing economic concerns. Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit highlighted his actions as National Security Minister, including distributing weapons and strengthening security measures, and positioned himself as a right-wing anchor for Netanyahu. Yaakov Asher of Yahadut HaTorah emphasized his party's dedication to preserving Torah study and the Haredi public's rights, while also pointing to their broader contributions across various sectors. Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism Party touted his party's achievements in settlement expansion and security policy, warning against a left-wing government that would establish a Palestinian state. Mansour Abbas of Ra'am focused on civil-partnership, addressing crime and violence, and promoting practical solutions for Arab citizens in areas like planning, construction, and education. Ofer Winter of Am Israel called for a new right-wing leadership to address internal societal divisions and integrate the Haredi public into the IDF. Yoaz Hendel of HaMiluimnikim-HaKalkalit argued for a broad Zionist government without Haredi or Arab parties, positioning his party as a solution to political deadlock and the cost of living.

New parties like Am Israel and HaMiluimnikim-HaKalkalit are also making their case, with Winter calling for a right-wing government that prioritizes those who serve and Hendel advocating for a broad Zionist government to break the political stalemate.