Zelekha Unveils Economic Plan, Slams Political System

Zelekha accused Netanyahu of selling the Israeli economy to monopolies and extortionists, claiming that the Prime Minister's attacks stem from fear that the public will realize prices could have been 20% lower over the last two decades. He framed the political choice as one between capital-rule oligarchy and the future of the public's children, while challenging Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Naftali Bennett to an economic debate.

Under the newly unveiled plan, Zelekha proposes to lower the cost of living by gradually reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) to 12%, canceling all import tariffs and quotas, and dismantling coalition funding. The plan also calls for breaking up production councils in the dairy, honey, and egg sectors, banning exclusive agreements between international manufacturers and local importers, and transferring the Competition Authority to the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, it suggests privatizing major infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail lines, a new airport, and hospitals.

Zelekha declared that his party would only join a Zionist government that enforces universal conscription and appoints him as Finance Minister. He stated that he would refuse to support governments led by either Benjamin Netanyahu or Gadi Eisenkot if they rely on Arab parties to form a majority, claiming that the current political bloc concept costs Israeli families NIS 30,000 annually.