Overview
Kulanu (Hebrew: כולנו, "All of Us") was an Israeli political party created in 2014 by Moshe Kahlon. Positioned between the political center and center-right, the party presented itself as pragmatic and single-mindedly focused on socioeconomic issues rather than on identity or security debates. Kulanu sought to appeal to middle- and working-class voters with a promise to reduce everyday costs and increase competition in key markets.
Policies and priorities
The party prioritized practical economic reforms rather than a broad ideological program. Core themes included:
- Cost of living: Measures to lower prices, particularly for essentials.
- Housing: Policies to increase supply and make home ownership more affordable.
- Market reform: Breaking up concentrations in sectors such as banking and telecommunications to boost competition.
- Social-economic focus: Targeted assistance and regulatory changes to improve conditions for pensioners, renters and consumers.
History and electoral performance
Formed in 2014, Kulanu contested the 2015 Knesset elections and won a notable share of support, securing a place in the governing coalition that followed. Its leader, Moshe Kahlon, served in senior ministerial roles in that coalition and used the party’s leverage to advance its reform agenda. In subsequent elections later in the decade Kulanu’s independent support declined and it ceased to be a significant separate force in Israeli parliamentary politics.
Legacy and notable facts
Kulanu is often remembered for bringing attention to consumer-oriented economic issues in Israeli politics and for translating campaign promises about housing and competition into concrete initiatives while in government. The party’s model—single-issue, reform-oriented and personality-driven—illustrates a recurring pattern in parliamentary systems where new groupings can rise quickly around a popular leader and specific policy goals, then either institutionalize or dissipate. For further context and coverage, see more information.