Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the B’Yachad party, outlined a comprehensive plan on Tuesday aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles and addressing the challenges faced by olim—new immigrants to Israel. The announcement came ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27, in which B’Yachad is part of the opposition bloc seeking to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bennett emphasized his personal connection to the immigrant experience, citing his own family’s challenges with integration. He framed the success of olim as a measure of Israel’s overall societal health, posing questions about the country’s ability to provide safety, economic opportunity, and a promising future for its Jewish residents.
The plan proposes the establishment of a centralized office system that would serve as a one-stop resource for olim, eliminating the need to navigate multiple government agencies for benefits and services. This initiative aims to reduce red tape and make state support more accessible. Additionally, the party seeks to expedite the recognition of foreign educational credentials, enabling immigrants to more readily enter the workforce in their trained professions.
B’Yachad also highlighted support for younger immigrants, aiming to ease their integration into Israel’s education system and labor market. The goal is to lower the rate at which new arrivals leave the country after making aliyah. Part of the party’s broader agenda includes efforts to encourage the return of approximately 250,000 Israelis who have emigrated in recent years.
The plan also extends to support for lone soldiers—those serving in the military without immediate family in Israel—proposing enhanced benefits and advance stipends for those transitioning out of service when needed. Moreover, B’Yachad called for initiatives to address the well-being of older citizens through expanded opportunities for employment, volunteering, and social engagement to combat loneliness among seniors.
Bennett described his vision for Israel as a “Jewish, democratic, liberal, and prosperous country” that provides a secure and hopeful environment for both new immigrants and established citizens alike. The party’s platform represents a strategic focus on immigration and social integration as key components of its broader political objectives ahead of the upcoming election.