Full Breakdown
Naftali Bennett Presents Comprehensive Policy Platform Ahead of Israeli Election
6/19/2026, 8:54:54 PM
Policy Platform Overview
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the Together Party and head of the opposition bloc, presented a multi-sector plan at a Jewish International Connection Israel (JIC) event in Jerusalem. He pledged a constitution “in the spirit of the [US] Declaration of Independence,” a commission of inquiry into the October 7 Hamas massacre, reversal of legislation that enables Haredi draft evasion, and rehabilitation of northern Israel amid Hezbollah attacks. He proposed breaking up monopolies, cutting regulation, and opening imports to lower housing and living costs, and announced an advisory committee on artificial intelligence to place Israel at the forefront of the technology race.
Background & Context
Bennett and former prime minister Yair Lapid led a coalition government from 2021 to 2022. Bennett says the administration turned a large deficit into a surplus, reduced prices through competition, cut crime by 30 %, and increased students taking five-unit Bagrut exams. In April, they announced a joint ticket with Bennett heading the list for elections no later than 27 October 2026.
Key Figures & Groups
Naftali Bennett – Together Party leader, former prime minister, primary architect of the platform.
Yair Lapid – Former prime minister, co-leader of the joint list.
Together Party – Part of the opposition bloc aiming to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jewish International Connection Israel (JIC) – Host of the presentation event.
Data & Statistics
- Reported 30 % reduction in crime during Bennett’s 2021-2022 tenure.
- Transition from a “huge deficit” to a surplus, as claimed by Bennett.
- Increase in students undertaking five-unit Bagrut exams, though exact numbers are not provided.
Official Statements & Policy Details
Bennett said high prices result from limited competition and that breaking up monopolies will improve market dynamics. He announced cuts to draft-evader benefits, redirecting them to Israel Defense Forces service to increase Haredi participation. His education plan mandates 60 % of curricula cover a shared core—Hebrew, English, mathematics, civics, Torah studies, and Zionist heritage—while the remaining 40 % is set by local schools, with state funding contingent on the core. He described AI as the next global strategic race, urging Israel to lead.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're going to address some of the biggest problems we're facing: cost of living, education, crime, crazy housing costs, our international standing, and security above all,” — Naftali Bennett, Together Party leader
- “After such a colossal failure, the bereaved families and all of the State of Israel deserve answers to ensure this will never happen again,” — Naftali Bennett
- “We'll cut benefits to draft evaders and direct them to those who serve. Incentives work. We'll start seeing our haredi brothers with us in the IDF,” — Naftali Bennett
- “In the past, countries invested in weapons, energy, and defense. The next global race is AI. We need to be at the forefront of this revolution,” — Naftali Bennett
- “Every child in Israel will have an opportunity to succeed in the 21st century, whether they grow up in Dimona, Jerusalem, Umm al-Amad, or Kiryat Shmona,” — Naftali Bennett
Why It Matters
If elected, Bennett’s proposals could reshape Israel’s constitutional framework, alter defense conscription policies, and shift economic regulation toward greater competition. The education reforms aim to create a unified national curriculum while preserving local autonomy, potentially affecting cultural and civic identity across diverse communities.
What’s Next
The opposition bloc will campaign on the presented platform ahead of the election deadline of 27 October 2026, with Bennett and Lapid positioned as the joint leadership team. The formation of the AI advisory committee and the planned commission of inquiry are slated to commence immediately upon a potential transition of power.
