Eisenkot and Meridor Unveil Economic Plan Prioritizing Middle Class and Public Sector Reform
The Yisrael party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, presented its new economic plan developed with former Treasury budget director Shaul Meridor, who recently joined the party. The plan focuses on supporting the working middle class, youth, and reservists by prioritizing them in housing and subsidized daycare, contrasting with the current government's benefits for ultra-Orthodox groups avoiding military service. To reduce living costs, the plan proposes removing unjustified import barriers and unique Israeli standards, opening markets to parallel imports, and breaking the dominance of concentrated food and consumer groups while still encouraging Israeli agriculture despite the strong agricultural lobby.
Eisenkot and Meridor also advocate reforming kosher certification and imports, referencing the 2021 kosher reform approved by the previous government but frozen and partially repealed by the current one. The plan includes combating crime and extortion that burden small businesses and raise living costs. In education, it suggests prioritizing funding for state schools teaching core subjects and reforming early childhood education to enable both parents to work.
Tax reductions are proposed alongside measures against the black economy, including real-time digital reporting of large transactions, reduced cash use, and AI tools to detect fake invoices. The plan calls for property tax discounts and benefits based on socioeconomic status after income is maximized, not by sector affiliation. Massive investments in infrastructure and war damage rehabilitation in southern and northern communities are planned, with direct state funding for building protection and neighborhood restoration where markets fall short. Farmers who bore heavy burdens during two and a half years of conflict will receive protective support.
Transportation proposals include building high-speed rail connecting periphery regions to the center and accelerating metro and light rail projects in metropolitan areas. Housing plans aim to flood the market with new apartments and tax undeveloped land. The plan also promotes establishing local data centers, supporting Israeli startups, and integrating AI in public sector digitalization. Public service reform is a key element, ending mediocrity and patronage appointments, reinstating top professionals, setting measurable goals, and closing unnecessary ministries. Eisenkot emphasized delivering full value to citizens through quality technological education and comprehensive physical and mental rehabilitation after years of war and governmental challenges.
