Prices have jumped by 11% since the government was established; Israel is the second most expensive country in the world

The government's promises to combat the cost of living are being put to the test, and data indicate a significant gap between declarations and execution. The cost-of-living cabinet has barely convened, while food and fuel prices continue to climb.

Economic promises vs. reality

The general price level in the economy has risen by 11% since the establishment of the government, according to data from the Berl Katznelson Foundation. Food prices have recorded an increase of 15% since the government was sworn in, according to a Knesset study. The Minister of Finance has not dismantled a single monopoly during his tenure, despite this commitment being included in the government's basic guidelines.

Fuel prices have seen only a marginal increase over the last four years, rising from 8.07 NIS per liter to 8.08 NIS.

Unfulfilled education pledges

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised free education for children aged zero to three, a goal that has not been realized. Parents of children in daycare testify that the costs of private kindergartens continue to rise, while the quality of service remains stagnant or has even declined.

International cost-of-living rankings

The Economist uses the Big Mac index to measure the cost of living globally. Israel's position in this index is particularly grim: it ranks second only to Switzerland in the cost of a Big Mac portion among all countries where the McDonald's chain operates.

Although a cabinet was established to address the cost-of-living crisis affecting every Israeli citizen, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has barely convened it since the beginning of the government's term.