Yaron Zelekha Rejects Offer to Be Reserved Candidate in Likud, Vows Economic Party Revolution

Yaron Zelekha, chairman of the Economic Party, firmly rejected a recent suggestion that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consider reserving a spot for him on the Likud party list. The proposal arose during a panel discussion on Channel 14, where it was suggested that Netanyahu could benefit from including Zelekha, a respected economist, in his ranks. However, Zelekha dismissed the idea outright, stating that joining a major party like Likud contradicts the political revolution his party seeks to lead.

Zelekha criticized both right-wing governments and the current coalition for their role in the soaring cost of living over the past 18 years. He emphasized that accepting a reserved seat in a party responsible for these economic issues would betray his voters and the volunteers supporting his party's 50 campaign offices. He also rejected the notion of being used as a mere electoral asset or figurehead within an established party.

Highlighting the collective nature of his movement, Zelekha insisted that there is no political entity called "Yaron Zelekha" alone, but rather a genuine Economic Party with dozens of members running alongside him. He set an ambitious goal for his party to gain enough parliamentary power to become indispensable in forming the next government, thereby forcing the acceptance of their demands for the benefit of Israeli citizens.

Zelekha concluded with a sharp critique of the political system, accusing it of being controlled by wealthy interests and banks, and vowed that his party aims to "take over the ship of thieves," rather than serve as facilitators for the elite's celebrations at the public's expense. The discussion also touched on other political figures and potential alliances, but Zelekha remained clear about maintaining his party's independence and mission.