Israeli Parties Make Final Pitches to Voters Ahead of Election
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israeli party leaders made their final appeals to voters ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, focusing on diverse promises from national security to social welfare. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized completing the campaign against Iran, while opposition leaders like Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett called for a change in direction and deep societal repair. Haredi parties focused on religious institutions, and Arab parties addressed crime and equality. Smaller parties presented platforms on military service, cost of living, and judicial reform.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli party leaders presented final campaign messages focusing on national security, societal change, and specific community needs.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu stressed completing the mission against Iran and urged a vote for Likud.
- Opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett called for a change in direction and societal reform.
- Haredi parties emphasized preserving Torah study, while Arab parties focused on fighting crime and equality.
- Smaller parties proposed universal draft, judicial reform, and addressing the cost of living.
- The 26th Knesset elections feature 37 lists competing for 120 seats with a 3.25% electoral threshold.
As the 26th Knesset elections approach, party leaders have been presenting their final campaign messages and promises to the Israeli electorate. With 37 lists competing for 120 seats and a 3.25% electoral threshold, the major parties are focusing on key issues such as the ongoing campaign against Iran, IDF enlistment, and the establishment of state inquiry commissions. Meanwhile, Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties are emphasizing the preservation of Torah study institutions, and Arab parties are highlighting the fight against crime and the pursuit of equality.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, has framed the election as a choice between completing the mission against Iran under his leadership with a strong right-wing government, and a left-wing government that he warns would retreat from territories and fail against the Iranian threat. He also urged right-wing voters to support only Likud to avoid their votes being wasted on parties that might not pass the electoral threshold.
Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yamina, presented himself as a "prime minister for everyone" and called for a change in direction. His platform includes establishing a state inquiry commission, strengthening the IDF with equitable service, and rehabilitating public services. Naftali Bennett, leading the Together party with Yair Lapid, stated that the country needs deep repair after October 7th. He promised a "service revolution" where those who do not serve would not receive state funds, and significant funds would be allocated to those who do serve. Bennett also committed to addressing the IDF's shortage of 20,000 soldiers and reducing the cost of living.
In the Haredi sector, Aryeh Deri, chairman of Shas, positioned his party as the successor to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and a home for families where soldiers and Torah scholars coexist. Shas pledged support for soldiers and the status of Torah scholars, while also promising action on child allowances and food vouchers, and preserving Shabbat in public spaces.
Right-wing factions also presented distinct platforms. Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, presented himself as an unapologetic right-wing leader, vowing to advance the death penalty for terrorists, encourage immigration, and reform prisons and gun laws. Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, promised to complete judicial reform, deepen settlement in the West Bank, and limit reserve duty to 30 days annually, alongside drafting Haredim into the army.
From the opposition, Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, declared "now is our time" and pledged to replace the government, establish a state inquiry commission, draft everyone into service, and protect the justice system, explicitly stating he would not sit with Netanyahu. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, linked the election to whether draft dodgers remain in power, promising a universal draft law and stating "no state money for those who don't enlist." He also committed to a state inquiry commission, enacting a constitution, and limiting the prime minister's term to two mandates.
Among Arab parties, Yousef Jabareen of the Joint List identified the removal of Netanyahu as a first step and presented his party as consistently opposing wars, calling for a Palestinian state within 1967 borders and equality for Arab citizens. In contrast, Mansour Abbas, chairman of Ra'am, advocated for Arab-Jewish partnership, promising to combat crime and violence in the Arab community and improve education and employment.
Smaller parties are also vying for votes. The Reservists and Economists party, led by Yoaz Hendel and including Yaron Zelicha, calls for a Zionist government excluding Haredi and Arab parties, universal conscription, and addressing the cost of living. Am Israel Hai, led by Ofer Winter, advocates for military quyết định in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, drafting Haredim, and prioritizing those who serve. Avi Maoz of Noam presents his party as a shared home for the Haredi, religious-nationalist, and traditional public. A segment of the Haredi public is reportedly critical of their current political leadership, citing an unchangeable political establishment.
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