Moshe Kahlon
Moshe KahlonBen Kelmer/Flash 90

Moshe Kahlon on Thursday formally introduced his Kulanu party’s list for the March 17 elections and declared that his campaign would focus on social issues.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Kibbutz Givat Brenner in central Israel, just south of Rehovot, Kahlon said that former Finance Minister Yair Lapid had wasted a good opportunity to change some of Israel’s social problems and that the Likud had “abandoned” its social platform.

"I'm here because I got a chance, there are hundreds of thousands of people in Israel who do not have equal opportunity, and that’s not fair, it's not right, it's not moral," he said.

Kahlon said that he chose to leave the Likud, under which he served as Communications Minister and Minister of Social Affairs, because the party had "ditched" its social principles.

"The Likud abandoned its principles, Yair Lapid disappointed, it’s time for a new path. The upcoming elections are not between right and left. These elections are about the leaders who care going up against those who do not care,” declared Kahlon, adding that in light of the economic and social situation, "the current government as a whole must do some soul-searching.”

“We have established a social party that works for the people,” he said, adding, “There will be a free economy, but with social sensitivity. We'll lead a society in which one can make money, but without greed.”

Kulanu’s Knesset list as announced Thursday is as follows:

1. Moshe Kahlon
2. Retired IDF general Yoav Galant
3. Tsega Melaku - a journalist with the Israel Broadcasting Authority, author, social activist.
4. Dr. Michael Oren - former Israeli Ambassador to the United States.
5. Deputy mayor of Jerusalem Rachel Azaria - promoted reforms in education and in women’s status.
6. Eli Alaluf - headed the Alaluf Committee to Fight Poverty, Israel Prize laureate for his life's work promoting equality and social justice.
7. Dr. Yifat Sassa-Biton - a Kiryat Shmona City Council member and former deputy mayor for the northern Israel city.
8. Eli Cohen - an accountant, deputy director of the Land Development Corporation, a professor at Tel Aviv University.
9. Roy Folkman - A specialist in public policy, a Harvard University graduate. Former Director of the Division of Policy and Strategic Planning in the city of Jerusalem.
10. Attorney Merav Ben-Ari - A member of the Tel Aviv City Council, in charge of promoting youth in the municipality.
11. Shai Babad - served as CEO of the Second Television and Radio Authority, and former CEO of ZIM Israel and the Near East.