Moshe Kahlon, head of the Kulanu party, is slowly announcing his lineup and he is now telling us his plan for the 20th Knesset. Kahlon last week told the media that he would not enter into a coalition government if he is not placed in charge of the Israel Lands Administration. Kahlon now adds that in the next coalition, he hopes to receive the Finance Minister portfolio, albeit an expanded version, which he tells the press must include control over the Israel Lands Administration.

Kahlon explains that without control over the treasury and the Israel Lands Administration one cannot hope to succeed in lowering costs.

Kahlon explains that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Economy Minister Naftali Bennett and Finance Minister Yair Lapid received the nation in a certain state, and during their tenure, things become significantly worse from an economic perspective. Housing costs have skyrocketed, the cost of basic essentials continues to climb and the social economic gap in Israeli society continues to widen.

Kahlon blames all three, citing “they each failed in their realm” and he stresses that his party will focus on these very issues. When asked about advancing the diplomatic process with the PA (Palestinian Authority), he explained he is not opposed to negotiations, but at present, he does not feel that Israel has a negotiating partner. “If and when there is a partner on the other side we can negotiate” he explains, but for now, the economic issues are the most pressing and these are the issue his party is focusing on. He adds that Yerushalayim will remain united, under Israel and he opposes a return to the pre-1967 borders.

When asked why he enlisted retired IDF Major-General Yoav Galant and former Israeli Ambassador to Washington Dr. Michael Oren on his team, Kahlon explained his party is not sectoral but plans to be a major party, one that will be capable of dealing with all aspects of government. This demands a security/defense expert as well as one who is seasoned in diplomatic affairs.

The polls show Kulanu receiving 7-10 seats. Party leader Kahlon is not concerned. The former Likud party cabinet minister explains one will not know the true picture until two weeks before the elections.

When asked what scares him, Kahlon stated he is afraid of waking up the day after elections and seeing the same political map, the same people doing the same thing, each blaming the other. He states if this is the case he will be greatly disappointed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)