Israeli Election: Parties Outline Agendas and Coalition Demands

As Israel approaches its 26th Knesset elections with 36 competing lists, major parties and their leaders have articulated their platforms and conditions for forming the next government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party are campaigning on a platform of experienced leadership, emphasizing national security and past achievements against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned of Iranian threats and pledged to maintain his economic policies focused on growth and combating the cost of living.

Gadi Eisenkot, leading the Yishar party, proposes a swift transition, promising a state inquiry commission on his first day, a national security cabinet within a week, and legislation for universal conscription. He aims to see Hamas no longer controlling Gaza within 18 months and vows to ensure all Israeli students receive core curriculum education within four years.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, heading the Together party, is seeking a different leadership approach, focusing on security, the economy, and government priorities. He has set three key conditions for potential coalition participation: a state inquiry into the October 7th events, regulating conscription, and advancing a constitution for Israel. Bennett has not ruled out serving in a Netanyahu-led government if his conditions are met.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit party are demanding the Defense Ministry portfolio. Ben-Gvir advocates for changes in open-fire regulations, promoting voluntary emigration from Gaza and the West Bank, and judicial reforms. He has highlighted his past warnings about Hamas's strengthening prior to the October 7th attack, suggesting a different outcome was possible had he been Defense Minister.

The ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, are prioritizing the status of yeshiva students and funding for Torah institutions, seeking legislative guarantees for exemption from military service without sanctions. Shas, led by Aryeh Deri, also focuses on social welfare and aid to disadvantaged families.

Bezalel Smotrich's Religious Zionism is running on a joint list with Moshe Feiglin's Zehut, though they maintain separate campaigns and distinct positions. Smotrich emphasizes settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria and economic policy, while Feiglin focuses on personal and economic freedom and tax reforms.

Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu aims to replace Netanyahu and form a Zionist government without reliance on Arab parties, warning against the instability of minority governments. He also calls for changes in conscription policy and economic reforms to address the cost of living.

Yair Golan, leading the Democrats, seeks judicial, educational, and religious-state reforms, advocating for expanded public transportation on Shabbat and changes in state-religion arrangements. He has expressed interest in heading ministries such as Justice, Public Security, Education, and Communications.

Ofer Winter's Am Israel party is campaigning on a platform of stronger security policies against Hamas and changes in defense decision-making. Despite low poll numbers, Winter urges supporters to vote, claiming internal research indicates significant potential support.

Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zelekha's joint list focuses on military service and economic issues, aiming to attract voters concerned with both national security and the cost of living.

Arab parties Ra'am and the Joint List are competing after their disqualification was overturned. Ra'am focuses on developing Arab communities and tackling crime, while the Joint List emphasizes political representation and equal rights for the Arab public. Several smaller parties, including Noam, the Haredi Public, and Israel First, are also contesting the elections with specific agendas.