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

Former Israeli Prime Minister and chairman of the Yachad party, Naftali Bennett, presented a comprehensive economic plan on June 30, 2026, aimed at reducing the cost of living by lowering food and toiletry prices. Bennett’s proposal targets a 30% price reduction, aligning Israeli consumer prices with the OECD average, and promises annual savings of approximately 8,000 shekels per family.

The plan focuses on three main pillars. First, it seeks to dismantle monopolies in the Israeli food market, specifically naming major companies such as Tnuva, Strauss, Diplomat, Shestovitz, and Shufersal. Bennett proposes banning exclusive importers from distributing multiple major brands, preventing monopolies from controlling supplier agreements, and requiring detailed financial reporting by product category. He also plans to introduce legislation defining "regional monopolies" to curb dominance by single companies in local retail chains.

Second, the plan calls for reducing regulation and removing import barriers by opening the agricultural market to imports and eliminating tariffs on fruits and vegetables. It also includes direct financial support for farmers and encourages diversified agricultural land use. Third, Bennett proposes a kosher certification reform that would recognize foreign certification bodies approved by the Chief Rabbinate, aiming to eliminate the need for dual kosher certifications, such as those from ultra-Orthodox authorities abroad and Israeli rabbinate approval.

Additional measures include cutting political public spending, reducing benefits aimed at the ultra-Orthodox community, broad tax cuts, and addressing other economic challenges like housing shortages and banking competition. Some elements of Bennett’s plan echo initiatives from the previous government, including reforms in kosher certification and agricultural policy, which faced criticism or were halted by the current administration.

Bennett’s anti-monopoly measures are expected to face pushback from affected companies and critics who argue the interventions could disrupt market competition and importers’ viability. However, the Yachad party rejects these concerns, emphasizing the plan’s potential to significantly lower consumer prices and improve economic fairness in Israel.