Israeli Politicians Debate Key Issues Ahead of 2026 Elections
As Israel approaches the 2026 elections, ynet launched a new weekly debate series featuring politicians from opposing sides. The first episode hosted MK Tzvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionism party and Liran Abisher Ben-Horin from former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's "Together" party. They discussed major topics including the economy, education, security in Judea and Samaria, Israel-US relations, and their priorities if elected.
MK Sukkot, chair of the Knesset Education Committee and the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Judea and Samaria, emphasized his goal to annul the Oslo Accords, calling them "one of the worst mistakes" Israel has made, costing thousands of lives. He praised the current government’s direction but vowed to push this agenda if his party gains power. Abisher Ben-Horin, a lawyer and former Communications Ministry director-general, criticized the government’s handling of the October 7 massacre and advocated for full conscription of Haredim and integrating their education into the state system.
On security, Sukkot argued Israel’s situation has improved compared to four years ago and rejected the idea of Israel becoming neutral like Switzerland due to regional hostility. He opposed administrative detentions of hilltop youth, calling such measures anti-democratic. Abisher Ben-Horin expressed concern over Israel’s diminished standing in the US amid regional developments like the Saudi civilian nuclear deal and urged stronger diplomatic efforts.
Regarding the economy, Sukkot defended Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s record, citing low unemployment, inflation control, and a strengthened shekel despite wartime challenges. Abisher Ben-Horin countered that government policies have worsened living costs, calling for a major reform prioritizing working and serving citizens over welfare recipients, with targeted subsidies for housing and childcare.
On education, Sukkot blamed teachers’ unions for blocking reforms and praised the ministry’s professional programs, including AI integration. Abisher Ben-Horin called for dismantling and rebuilding the education system, reducing the ministry’s role to regulator, empowering local authorities, and transitioning to a unified state education system to replace politically affiliated schools.
Both politicians expressed willingness to engage with opposing views and highlighted their personal backgrounds, with Sukkot sharing his hobby of jet skiing and Abisher Ben-Horin revealing she holds a heavy machinery driving license.
