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Moshe Kahlon told Israel Broadcasting that one of the conditions for his Kulanu party entering the coalition will be having the ability to influence the economy to lower the cost of living and the cost of housing. He explains this includes first and foremost breaking up monopolies like the Israel Electric Company. Kahlon explains that do so does not mean sending employees home, but it does mean making the utility more efficient.

He feels the first place to start is the Israel Lands Administration (ILA), which he is familiar with. He admits a strike will be launched the moment he challenges the ILA but he adds “one has to know how to deal with this”, which he assures us he does.

Kahlon says “It is time to open the market and we must address each monopoly”. When asked why he left Likud, he explains that the party simply ignored dealing with the true needs of the economy and that slogans are insufficient. “I entered Likud in 1977 but actions must be measured, not words”.

He explains he feels the cost of living and housing are the main issues that face Israelis day-to-day and that is why he left Likud to launch his own party. He explains Yesh Atid received 19 seats and had enormous power in the cabinet. Labor he adds has had 30 years and failed. Now he feels it is time to give him a chance to make good on his words, based on his accomplishments in the past. Kahlon feels it may not be necessary to raise taxes, which he views as the easiest solution, “to take additional money from people”.

· Regarding Jerusalem, he opposes a return to the pre-1967 borders, insisting Jerusalem must remain united.

· Once there is a true end to hostilities, then there is room regarding talks of removing isolated yishuvim.

· “I am traditional” he explains but regarding civil marriage, “We must permit each person to live his life”.

· He supports ‘sharing the burden’ by mutual agreement and not be compelling the other side.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)