Israel Election Campaigns Sidestep Economy Amid Rising Costs
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
As Israel heads to elections, rising living costs, including a 14% flour price hike, are being overshadowed by security concerns in political campaigns. Parties like Likud are largely silent on economic issues, while others like Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" offer plans without clear funding. Economic experts criticize the lack of focus on the economy, and parties prioritizing it struggle to gain support. Citizens express that security fears outweigh concerns about rising prices.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Rising living costs in Israel are being sidelined by security issues in election campaigns.
- Flour prices have increased by 14%, with egg prices expected to rise 2% next month.
- Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is notably quieter on economic issues than in past elections.
- Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party proposed an eight-point economic plan with unclear funding.
- Naftali Bennett criticizes monopolies but faces scrutiny over his past economic record.
- Parties focused on economic issues are struggling to surpass the electoral threshold.
- Citizens prioritize security concerns over economic worries due to perceived instability.
As Israel approaches the 26th Knesset elections, the rising cost of living has re-emerged as a significant issue, with flour prices increasing by 14% and egg prices expected to rise by 2% next month. Despite the growing financial strain on households, economic concerns have largely been overshadowed by security issues in the parties' election campaigns. Consumer affairs journalist Dana Yarkazi noted the varied economic promises from party leaders, including the Likud's relative silence on prices, Naftali Bennett's focus on tackling monopolies, and Gadi Eisenkot's plan to reduce living costs. Economic expert Dr. Alex Komine expressed disappointment at the lack of focus on the economy, which directly impacts citizens' lives, and observed no politician offering credible solutions to dismantle monopolies.
In contrast to the 2022 elections, where Benjamin Netanyahu publicly pledged price reductions, the Likud's current economic discourse is notably subdued. Netanyahu's economic messaging has instead focused on cryptocurrencies and circumventing international sanctions. Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot's "Yashar!" party has proposed an eight-point economic plan aimed at lowering living costs and taxes, though its funding sources remain unclear. Shaul Mordor, a former Director of the Budget Department, has appeared in campaign ads highlighting the rising prices of spreadable products and vowing to break up monopolies in the personal care sector, drawing scrutiny due to his past role in the Ministry of Finance.
Naftali Bennett, leading the "Achinu" party, has been vocal on social media against major importers and food companies, and has raised concerns about Chinese influence in the food company "Tnuva." However, critics point to his past inaction on the "Tnuva" deal when he served as Economy Minister, and note connections between some of his advisors and prominent Israeli business figures, including the former CEO of "Strauss."
Parties prioritizing the economy, such as the lists led by Yaron Zelicha and Yoaz Hendel, are reportedly struggling to gain electoral traction and may fall short of the threshold to enter the Knesset. Public opinion reflects a disconnect between daily financial pressures and electoral priorities, with security concerns and political disillusionment taking precedence over price issues. One citizen commented, "What is the importance of the price of milk if you don't know if you will return home?" Consequently, while prices continue to climb, security matters dominate the election discourse, leaving economic pledges to be tested after the ballots are cast.
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