Israel’s election is approaching, but candidates are offering slogans instead of policies - opinion

With Israel's election campaign entering its final stretch, candidates are being urged to move beyond slogans and political attacks and present voters with concrete policy proposals. The current discourse is dominated by rhetoric, leaving citizens without a clear understanding of the candidates' intentions for governing.

Gadi Eisenkot's framing of Likud as the "party of October 7" is criticized as an oversimplification of a complex event that demands an honest examination of leadership and preparedness. The article points out that Eisenkot himself served as IDF chief of staff in the years preceding the attack, suggesting that any discussion of responsibility must be more nuanced than a campaign slogan. Similarly, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's warnings about "the Left" returning Israel to the Oslo path are questioned, with a demand for specifics on how he intends to unify the country.

The piece also scrutinizes other candidates. Avigdor Lieberman is challenged to articulate a vision beyond his ambition to be a kingmaker, with voters needing to know his specific demands regarding economic priorities, housing, the haredi draft crisis, and security and diplomatic strategy. Yair Golan is encouraged to present a serious political program rather than relying on inflammatory rhetoric concerning settlers and religious Israelis.

Naftali Bennett is highlighted as an exception, receiving credit for beginning to shift the conversation toward economic policy and the practical challenges facing the country, rather than solely engaging in attacks on opponents. The article suggests that emerging Center-Right parties must overcome personal ambitions and political branding to unite behind a viable alternative, otherwise, votes may be fragmented among parties with limited impact.