Former PM Bennett Unveils Plan to Break Food Monopolies and Cut Prices by 30%

Former Israeli Prime Minister and Yachdav party leader Naftali Bennett presented a comprehensive economic plan on June 30, 2026, aimed at reducing the cost of living by lowering prices of food and toiletries by 30%. Bennett promised that the plan would save an average family approximately 8,000 shekels annually by aligning Israeli consumer prices with those of OECD countries.

The plan focuses on three main strategies. First, it targets reducing market concentration by dismantling monopolies held by major companies such as Tnuva, Strauss, Diplomat, Shestovitz, and Shufersal. Bennett proposed banning exclusive importers from distributing multiple major brands and preventing monopolies from controlling supplier agreements or acting as sole distributors. He also called for mandatory detailed financial reporting by product category. Specifically, Bennett intends to legislate against "regional monopolies" to prevent a single company from dominating retail chains in a given area.

Second, the plan aims to reduce regulation and remove import barriers by opening the agricultural market to imports and eliminating tariffs on fruits and vegetables. It includes shifting from direct financial support to farmers toward encouraging diversified agricultural land use. Third, Bennett proposed a kosher certification reform to recognize foreign certification bodies approved by the Chief Rabbinate, thereby eliminating the need for dual kosher certifications, such as those from ultra-Orthodox communities abroad and Israeli authorities.

Additional measures include cutting political public spending, reducing benefits targeted at ultra-Orthodox communities, broad tax cuts, and addressing other economic issues like housing and banking competition. Some elements of Bennett’s plan echo initiatives from the previous government that were not fully implemented or were later suspended. The kosher reform builds on efforts by former Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana, which are currently opposed by the Shas party.

While the plan is expected to face criticism from affected companies and concerns over market intervention, Bennett’s party rejects these claims, emphasizing the need to break monopolies and reduce prices for consumers.