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Example:
Party A 59 seats Party B 26 seats Party C 23 seats Party D 10 seats Party E 2 seats
Party A joins with party E to make 61 seats and runs the government. Parties B–D, while having more seats, have less power.
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Standing Strong |
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Israel’s Political System Continued… |
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Some of the more well-known parties and their platforms are listed herein, in no particular order:
Likud (Center Right) Willing to negotiate peace with the Palestinians leadership and “not compromise by terror.” Not in favor of Palestinian state, although contradictory statements have been made by Sharon as head of this party. Opposed to dismantling settlements, although the Disengagement occurred under Sharon as the party leader.
Labor (Center Left) Wants to restart negotiations through “land for peace” formula. In favor of Palestinian state. Willing to consider some unilateral withdrawal from West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and dismantlement of some communities. Centers on interior economic issues.
Kadima (Reports as Center, but no voting record. New party formed by Ariel Sharon in November 2004.) Believes the Israeli national agenda to end the Palestinian conflict will be the Road Map. Seeks to preserve the Jewish majority in Israel by territorial concessions to Palestinians. Adamantly against one-state solution. Desires for Jerusalem and large settlement blocs in the West Bank to be kept under Israeli control. Wants to modify the political system to have voters choose the prime minister and legislators on an individual basis and not as part of a party list. Seeks a secular civil agenda.
Meretz (Left) Supports a just and comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbors. In favor of dismantlement and withdrawal from West Bank. Seeks a human and civil rights agenda.
National Religious (Right) Advocates religious Jewish lifestyle, as well as full participation in Israeli society. Wants retention of the territories based on security, as well as Biblical and Zionistic beliefs. Represents interests of citizens living in communities in Judea and Samaria. Favors expansion of communities in the territories as part of the Jewish nation’s right and obligation to settle the Land of Israel.
National Unity or Haichud HaLeumi (Right) Coalition of right wing secular parties––Moledet, Tekuma, and Israel Beteinu. Supports voluntary transfer of Arabs from the West Bank and Gaza to other Arab countries. Against concessions to the Palestinian Authority and creation of a Palestinian state. Favors a tough attitude toward security.
Shas (Center) Prepared to relinquish land in return for peace, but uncomfortable with this policy given increased terror. Believes government policies should be based on strict Jewish Law.
Shinui (Center) Advocates a secular state in form of separate religion and state. In favor of territorial compromise for peace, but tough on security. Supports free market economy.
United Arab List (Left) Believes Israel should be a state for all inhabitants and not have a Jewish Character. Seeks establishment of Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. |
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Isaiah 11:6 2 Thessalonians 2:15 |