Gantz, Lapid present plans for economy, accuse PM of putting himself before Israelis

Blue and White leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid hold a press conference to present the party’s socioeconomic policy plan, saying they plan to make “big changes, not big announcements.”

Gantz slams the government’s policy on transportation, and healthcare, saying the situation was bad in both. He says his plans can add NIS 12-13 billion (about $3.5 billion) to the national budget.

Gantz says the education system has been “neglected” and that the state needs to invest in kids “no matter where they live, who their parents are, where they come from.” He calls for free daycare centers in all parts of the country, which he says would “save an estimated billion shekels every year” since parents will be able to work more.

Lapid says: “I heard Netanyahu saying yesterday the economy is in a great state. For whom? Where did he meet these people for whom the financial situation is great? Israeli citizens go to the supermarket and cannot believe how quickly their salary is gone.”

“The cost of living in Israel is a national calamity. Israel is expensive because the government systems aren’t working,” he adds, saying the prime minister is “busy dealing with himself” at the expense of Israelis.