Cost of Living Ignored in Election Campaigns Amid Security Concerns
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
As Israel approaches the 26th Knesset elections, the rising cost of living, marked by a 14% surge in flour prices, is being overshadowed by security concerns in political campaigns. Economic experts criticize the lack of credible plans to tackle monopolies, while major parties like Likud and Achva focus on other issues or face criticism regarding their economic proposals and past actions. Parties focused on economic issues are struggling to gain traction, and public sentiment indicates a prioritization of security over economic worries.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Cost of living, including a 14% flour price hike, is a major issue but ignored in Israeli election campaigns.
- Economic expert Dr. Alex Komen criticizes politicians for lacking credible plans to dismantle monopolies.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shifted focus from economic promises to cryptocurrency and sanctions.
- Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar" party offers an economic plan without clear budgetary backing.
- Naftali Bennett's "Achva" party attacks importers, but faces scrutiny over past economic decisions.
- Public sentiment prioritizes security concerns over economic anxieties ahead of the elections.
With the 26th Knesset elections just days away, the rising cost of living in Israel has become a prominent issue, with flour prices jumping 14% and egg prices expected to rise 2% next month. Despite the significant impact on households, this pressing concern has been largely sidelined in election campaigns, overshadowed by security matters.
Economic expert Dr. Alex Komen noted the low priority given to the economy in the current election cycle, stating, "I haven't seen any politician present a credible and serious mechanism for dismantling monopolies." This contrasts with previous elections where leaders actively engaged with economic issues.
Incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who previously appeared in supermarkets and gas stations promising price reductions, has remained relatively quiet on the economy this time, focusing instead on cryptocurrency and circumventing international sanctions. Gadi Eisenkot of the "Yashar" party has proposed an eight-point economic plan to lower living costs and taxes, though without clear budgetary sources. Former Budget Division head Shaul Meridor has released campaign videos highlighting price increases and promising to break up monopolies, raising questions about his past tenure in the Treasury.
Naftali Bennett's "Achva" party is directly attacking large importers, food corporations, and Chinese control of the Tnuva food conglomerate. However, critics point out his past support for the Tnuva deal when he was Economy Minister and the ties of his advisors, including former Strauss CEO Gadi Lesin, to industry leaders.
Parties prioritizing economic issues, such as Yaron Zelekha and Yoaz Hendel's list, are struggling to gain electoral support and remain below the electoral threshold. Public sentiment reflects a sense of despair over unfulfilled promises, with security anxieties taking precedence. As one citizen put it, "What does it matter how much milk costs if you don't know if you'll come home?" The overwhelming security agenda means that despite rising grocery bills, voters are unlikely to prioritize them at the ballot box.
Mentioned
