The Kulanu Message

Tal Schneider pays some much-needed attention to Moshe Kahlon's Kulanu party, which has an excellent chance to sit in the next government whoever forms it:

Earlier this week, I (Tal) attended a Kahlon campaign rally in Hadera, which a city in which this former Likudnik has deep roots.  It was interesting, especially to see him surrounded by close friends and family.  His sister spoke, his mother and two of his brother’s sat in the audience. The crowd numbered in the hundreds but even in this moment of almost-intimacy, it was clear the campaign is aiming far beyond the home crowd. Not enough has been written about this interesting candidate but he is emerging as the biggest challenge the Likud has seen in a long while.  He repeatedly declares himself to be the true heir of Menachem Begin.  He says that the Likud has lost all compassion. His message is getting out there.

Kahlon is focusing on the socio-economic status of his public, and he delves into their overdrawn bank accounts , the taxes they pay, the mortgages, the health care system, that is in strain, gaps in education, the dearth of public transportation for the poor. In short, he is sitting down with them and making himself part of the discussion.  His stated goal is to be named Israel’s next Finance Minister of Israel, and even with the 10 or so seats his party is now showing in the polls, it looks like he has a chance.

Schneider reports that as Likud sinks in the polls, it is the two centrist parties, Kulanu and Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid, that are benefiting.