Four years after the elections – the coalition's promises test

Almost four years after the government was formed, Channel 14 examined the fate of the coalition's key promises: Netanyahu promised free education and tax cuts but VAT rose to 18%, the judicial reform led to two laws but the reasonableness standard was abolished, Smotrich advanced construction in Judea and Samaria but sovereignty was not applied, and Ben Gvir expanded personal weapons but did not complete police reform.

Almost four years after the government was formed, Channel 14 examined the fate of the key promises of the coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu. The article reviews Netanyahu's economic promises, including free education from birth to age three, tax cuts, and assistance for young couples. In practice, VAT rose to 18% in January 2025, and free education was not fully implemented. In housing, there was an increase in building permits but a decrease in completion certificates. The judicial reform led to two significant laws, but the reasonableness standard was abolished by the High Court and the override clause was not enacted. Bezalel Smotrich advanced the regulation of settlements and the transfer of civilian authorities in Judea and Samaria, but Israeli sovereignty was not applied. Itamar Ben Gvir expanded eligibility for personal weapons and reduced benefits for security prisoners, but did not complete the broad police reform or legal immunity for officers. The article notes that some promises were partially implemented, others remained on paper, and in several areas steps were taken in the opposite direction.