MK from Yisrael Beiteinu: "We are 2nd in the world in cost of living". MK from Likud: "The economy is growing"

The 2026 elections are approaching rapidly, and ynet continues its special series, "The Election Arena." Each week, we host two politicians from opposite sides of the aisle to debate essential issues. This week's guests are MK Avichai Boaron (Likud) and MK Evgeny Soba (Yisrael Beiteinu).

Party Lists and Democracy

When asked if Likud remains democratic given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 10 reserved spots, Avichai Boaron stated: "Senior members are certainly offended, seeing Israel Katz and Haim Katz reserved ahead of them. But we, the younger members, see it as an opportunity for other spots to open up." He rejected the claim that this undermines democracy.

Evgeny Soba, whose party list is determined by chairman Avigdor Liberman, noted: "I was a political reporter for 16 years and have been in the Knesset for seven. I could tell endless stories about vote-buying and deals in various parties, including Likud. These elections are a choice between the alliance of those who serve and the alliance of draft dodgers."

The Situation in Gaza

Boaron disagreed that victory hasn't been achieved: "We control 70% of the Gaza Strip, and Hamas is no longer an organized military force. We have achieved three of our four war goals. The only remaining task is demilitarization, and we will not retreat until that is accomplished."

Soba countered: "Netanyahu hasn't defeated Hamas in three years. If Avigdor Liberman had been in the war cabinet, Hamas would not have been able to rebuild its strength. The State of Israel has failed to defeat the terrorist organization effectively. A Prime Minister who didn't establish a state commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7 cannot fix the situation."

Cost of Living

Boaron argued that Israel has maintained a stable, growing economy despite national crises. He cited his legislative work, including the deposits law, as a contribution to easing the cost of living.

Soba replied: "Israel is second only to Switzerland in cost of living. This government has failed because it doesn't increase the workforce, specifically by failing to integrate the Haredi sector, which places an unfair burden on those who work and pay taxes."

Judicial Reform and the Haredim

Boaron stated that there is no "holy war" against the Supreme Court, but rather a need for elected officials to implement policy effectively. Soba argued that Yisrael Beiteinu proposes a constitution to regulate the relationship between the Knesset and the court, as well as religion and state.

Regarding the Haredim, Boaron accused Soba of alienating entire sectors. Soba responded: "I am not boycotting the public; I am boycotting those who stand on the Knesset podium and say, 'We will die before we are drafted.'"