Israeli Elections 2026: Where Does the Economy Stand in the Competition?

A review of the economic platforms of Israeli parties in the 2026 elections reveals differences in tools and priorities, with a decline in the prominence of economic issues in campaigns since 2009. The article cites Netanyahu's financial policies from 2003-2005 as a driver for dismantling the welfare state.

A review of the economic platforms and positions of the competing Israeli parties in the 2026 elections reveals differences in tools and priorities, more than it reveals a conflict between opposing economic models. The article notes a decline in the prominence of economic and social issues in current election campaigns, and their weak position in the competition between parties, since the beginning of the current century and more clearly since the 2009 elections. The article cites the 2006 elections as an example of a period when economic policies had a clear electoral price, where the policies led by Benjamin Netanyahu during his tenure as Finance Minister from 2003 to 2005 contributed to alienating affected social segments from the Likud, including Haredi circles and low-income groups, and formed a strong impetus in the process of dismantling what remained of the Israeli welfare state arrangements.