IsraelVotes 2006 | Political Parties and Platforms

For the upcoming election, there are 31 parties running for the Knesset's 120 seats. On this page, you can learn about all the parties and their platform.

Major Political Parties

Kadima

Party Leader: Ehud Olmert
Campaign Slogans: 1) Israel Wants Kadima. 2) Kadima (Forward) Sharon. 3) Moving Forward
Official Web Site: http://www.kadimasharon.co.il
Key Points In Platform:

Supports a negotiated peace process based entirely on the 'Road Map' Peace Plan, eventually leading to the creation of a Palestinian state. However, will not negotiate with Hamas-led PA unless Hamas accepts Israel's right to exist and ends all violence.
No further unilateral withdrawals; although Israel reserves the right to unilaterally draw final borders if the Palestinians do not fulfill their obligations under the Road Map.
Favors keeping the 'major settlement blocks' (Ariel, Gush Etzion and Ma'alei Adumim) within the final borders of Israel.
Governmental reform to stem the power of Central Committees in Israeli political parties.
Continue to pursue a moderate, market-based economy.
Plans to introduce legislation to legalize civil marriage and burial.

What the critics are saying about Kadima:
Kadima is not a political party, it's a one-man show conceived and created by Ariel Sharon. With Sharon incapacitated, Kadima will not be able to function as a whole because its leading figures have disparate worldviews and Ehud Olmert is not politically strong enough to impose party discipline when sensitive, divisive issues confront the government. Without Sharon to hold the party together, Kadima-even if it wins big-will ultimately disintegrate.

Labor

Party Leader: Amir Peretz
Campaign Slogans: Fighting Terror, Defeating Poverty
Official Web Site: www.Avoda.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Wants to restart negotiations with the Palestinians based upon the "land for peace" formula within the framework of the Oslo Accords. Have stated that they will not negotiate directly with Hamas, although would still consider negotiations with more moderate PA leaders (Mahmud Abbas).
In favor of the creation of a Palestinian state
Willing to consider unilateral withdrawal from certain parts of the West Bank
Supports rolling back some of the economic privatization that has occurred in recent years. Also supports expansion of government social service and welfare systems
Favors maintaining the religious status quo

What the critics are saying about Labor:
The Labor has suffered major setbacks in recent elections, and this one will be no different. Amir Peretz, although a seasoned politician, is better at gaining headlines about populist issues than he will be running Israel. Peretz-a Moroccan-born labor union head-is not the natural leader of Labor's elite Ashkenazi constituent base. His ascension to Labor's leadership may even put off lifelong Labor voters.

Likud

Party Leader: Binyamin Netanyahu
Campaign Slogans: Strong against Hamas - Only (the Likud) Netanyahu
Official Web Site: www.Likud.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Has stated willingness to negotiate peace with Palestinian leadership "not compromised by terror", but adamantly refuses to negotiate with Hamas and any member of the Hamas-led PA.
Not in favor of a Palestinian state, but concedes its likely inevitability.
Opposed to dismantling of settlements
Continue economic reforms started by Netanyahu as Finance Minister
Favors maintaining status quo in religious/state issues

What the critics are saying about Likud:
Likud is in deep trouble for several reasons. First, since the best of Likud left the party to join Kadima, the party is largely based on Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu's last term as Prime Minister was hardly a great success. In addition, right-wing voters will choose National Union-NRP because the Likud (under Sharon) implemented Labor's Disengagement plan. From the left and the right, many former Likud voters will seek a new political home.

Small Political Parties Running for Re-election

Meretz-Yachad

Party Leader: Yossi Beilin
Campaign Slogans: On the Left, the Individual is at the Center!
Official Web Site: www.Meretz.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Left-wing social democratic secular party
Supports a just and comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbors
Has historically supported direct negotiations with the Palestinians and continues to do so in theory, however, concedes that direct negotiations with Hamas is ill-advised at this time.
Favors dismantling settlements and full withdrawal from West Bank
Supports state recognition of non-Orthodox conversions and acceptance of patrilineal descent as source of Jewishness
Human, civil rights and social justice agenda
Ecology and a safe environment agenda

What the critics are saying about Meretz:
Meretz suffered during the last elections because the party and its leadership was perceived as out of touch with Israel's reality. Leader Yossi Beilin was a key architect of the Oslo Accords, and even after the plan's utter failure he's brimming with confidence that peace is possible if only Israel will give in�again. Voters, seeking more pragmatic and realistic leadership will vote Labor or Kadima since both of these parties have adopted the premise of a Palestinian state and have the political power to implement policy.

National Democratic Assembly (Balad)

Party Leader: Azmi Bishara
Campaign Slogans: TBA
Official Web Site: www.Balad.org
Key Points In Platform:

Israeli Arab party
Israel should be a democratic state of all its citizens
Supports right of return for Arab refugees from the 1948 war
Full Israeli withdrawal from West Bank and East Jerusalem
Supports creation of a Palestinian state

National Union-National Religious Party (Mafdal)

Party Leader: Benyamin Elon
Campaign Slogans: Leaving the Likud: A New Right Rises. We're All Right! We believe in the State, but we're out to change the government.
Official Web Site: www.Leumi.org.il, www.Mafdal.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Coalition of right-wing parties, both religious (NRP) and secular (Moledet & Tekuma) parties
Against further withdrawals from the West Bank, based on the on security, Biblical and Zionistic beliefs
Against any concessions to the Palestinian Authority and rejects all negotiations with the PA and/or Hamas.
Against the creation of a Palestinian state.
Voluntary transfer of Arabs living in refugee camps in the West Bank and Gaza to other Arab countries
Tough attitude towards security
Strengthening of the state education system

What the critics are saying about the National Union-National Religious Party:
The merger of these two parties may strengthen their position at the polls, but it will not be capable of stopping a strong center-left coalition willing to implement concessions-unilateral or not. Most citizens find the ideology espoused by the NU-NRP of settlement in the entire Land of Israel-including in close proximity to major Palestinian cities-as untenable in the long run if Israel is to remain a Jewish and democratic state.

Shas

Party Leader: Eliyahu Yishai
Campaign Slogans: 1) Those for G-d, To Me! 2) A True Social Leader 3) Choose Life
Official Web Site: www.shasnet.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Sephardic religious movement, led by spiritual mentor Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Governmental policies should be based on strict Jewish law
In the past, prepared to relinquish land in return for peace, but uncomfortable with this policy given increased terror

Shinui

Party Leader: Ron Lowenthal
Campaign Slogans: Shinui - Home of secular Israelis and the middle class
Official Web Site: www.Shinui.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Liberal, Zionist, secular party
For a secular state in form of separating religion and state
In favor of territorial compromise for peace, but tough on security
Supports a free-market economy and privatization of government owned businesses

What the critics are saying about Shinui:
Shinui is destined to die in this election. Kadima has replaced Shinui as Israel's centrist voice, without the vehement anti-religious stance espoused by Shinui's leadership.

Hadash - Democratic Front for Peace and Equality

Party Leader: Mohammad Barakeh
Campaign Slogans: Two States for Two People
Official Web Site: www.Hadash.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Communist ideology
Improving status of disadvantaged Israelis
Formation of democratic and secular constitution
Improving rights for Israeli Arabs and women
Supports Israel as a state of all its citizens rather than a 'Jewish State'
Supports formation of a Palestinian state
Supports rights of Palestinian refugees of 1948 to either return ("right of return") or be compensated for property abandoned

United Arab List

Party Leader: Ibrahim Tzartzur
Campaign Slogans: TBA
Official Web Site: TBD
Key Points In Platform:

Union of three Israeli Arab parties - United Arab Party (Ra'am), Arab National Party (Mada) and Islamic Movement
Israel should become a state of all its inhabitants and not have overtly Jewish character
Full Israeli withdrawal from West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem
Establishment of Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital
Right of return for Palestinian refugees of 1948

Torah and Shabbat Judaism

Party Leader: Yakov Litzman
Campaign Slogans: For Israelis who honor Shabbat
Official Web Site: None
Key Points In Platform:

Coalition of Ashkenazi ultra-orthodox parties
Governmental policies should be based on Jewish law
Believes the Land of Israel was given by G-d to the Jewish People
Advocate on behalf of their constituency regarding government budgets and social services

Yisrael Beitenu-'Israel is our Home'

Party Leader: Avigdor Liberman
Campaign Slogans: Who fill fight the raging crime on the streets? Olmert, Netanyahu, Lieberman "nyet, nyet, da" (no, no, yes in Russian)
Official Website: http://www.beytenu.org.il/
Key Points in Platform:

Right wing party
Strong security and anti-crime platform
Rejects negotiations with Hamas-led PA
Supports re-drawing the borders to maximize the number of Jews and minimizing the number of Arabs within the future permanent borders of Israel by exchanging Israeli lands heavily populated by Arabs (the Arab triangle in the Northern Galilee) for the large settlement blocks and the Jordan valley.

Small Political Parties (Currently not in the Knesset)

Brit Olam

Party Leader: Ofer Lifschitz
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Changing perceptions to put people in the center

Da'am-The Workers Party

Party Leader: Agvaria Asama
Campaign Slogans:
Official Website: http://www.odaction.org/
Key Points in Platform:

Marxist party operating inside Israel to organize the working class, especially the Arab workers.
Opposed to the current Israeli government
Opposed to the current PA & Muslim fundamentalism

Gil

Party Leader: Eitan Pentman Rephael
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Advocating on behalf of senior citizens

Green Leaf Party

Party Leader: Boaz Wachtel
Campaign Slogans: A vote for freedom
Official Web Site: www.Ale-Yarok.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Advocates legalization of cannabis for medicinal and recreational use

Greens

Party Leader: Pe'er Weissner
Campaign Slogans: Defending the Land
Official Web Site: www.Green-Party.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Focused on improving quality of life in Israel - particularly as relates to safeguarding the environment

Halev - Fight the Banks

Party Leader: Eliezer Levinger
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: http://hlv.org.il/
Key Points in Platform:

Party dedicated to fighting the power of the banks in Israel

Herut

Party Leader: Michael Kleiner
Campaign Slogans: Bringing back a voice on the Right (Slogan is a play on words, can be read: Bringing back everything to the Right)
Official Web Site: http://www.herut.org.il
Key Points In Platform:

Unflinching right-wing platform based on security and demographic rationale including support of Aliyah, promoting increased Jewish birthrates and limiting non-Jewish emigration to Israel.
The Torah and Jewish tradition should serve as the foundation for the State of Israel
Full responsibilities for all citizens of Israel including national service by the Arab population.

Hetz-The Secular Zionist Party

Party Leader: Avraham Poraz
Campaign Slogans: I'm too am a secular arrow (Hetz in Hebrew is arrow).
Official Website: http://www.hetz.org.il/
Key Points in Platform:

Break-away from Shinui
Ardently secular party, advocating the extreme separation of religion and state in Israel
Supports establishment of a Palestinian state

Jewish National Front (Hazit)

Party Leader: Baruch Marzel
Campaign Slogans: TBA
Official Website: http://www.hazit.co.il/
Key Points in Platform:

Far-Right Party
Advocates Presidential system of government and regional elections to bring accountability to constituents to members of Knesset
Supports economic reforms to make Israel a true market economy
Reform of the judicial system to make judiciary more representative of Israeli society.
Amendment of the Law of Return to eliminate the 'grandparent clause' that allows many non-Jews to make aliyah.
The development of a constitution that facilitates Jewish leadership, fosters secular-religious harmony, secures civil and religious liberty, and promotes Jewish national pride and purpose.

Lechem

Party Leader: Yisrael Tvito
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Social justice party founded by social activist Vikki Knafo who gained notoriety by walking from her home in Mitzpe Rimon to Jerusalem where she led a protest against the budgetary cuts enacted by then Finance minister Bibi Netanyahu.

Leeder

Party Leader: Alexander Radko
Campaign Slogans: TBA
Official Web Site: None
Key Points In Platform:

Party advocating on behalf of the Russian immigrant community.

Lev

Party Leader: Ovadia Fatchov
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Immigrant rights party helping olim absorb in Israel

National Arab Party

Party Leader: Muhamad Kanan
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Promoting the rights of Arab-Israelis

New Zionism

Party Leader: Yaakov Kfir
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Advocating a socio-economic agenda

One Future

Party Leader: Avraham Negusa
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: http://atidechad.org/
Key Points in Platform:

Promotes the rights of Ethiopian olim

Strength to the Poor

Party Leader: Felix Angel
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Social justice for Israel's poor

Tafnit

Party Leader: Uzi Dayan
Campaign Slogans: A new agenda for Israel
Official Website: www.Tafnit.org
Key Points in Platform:

New Centrist party led by former Deputy Chief of General Staff
Promote a three-year plan of complete disengagement from the Palestinians with the completion of the security fence, withdrawal to a strategic and defensible border with major settlement blocks and the Jordan Valley, areas around Ben Gurion airport and Kiryat Arba area around Hevron to be included as part of Israel.
Improving Jewish and Democratic education.
Formalizing the relationship between religion and state.

Tzedek Lakol (formerly the Men's Rights in the Family Party)

Party Leader: Yaakov Shlusser
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Party formed to protect the rights of men in issues of equal parental rights.

Tzomet

Party Leader: Moshe Green
Campaign Slogans: n/a
Official Website: n/a
Key Points in Platform:

Secular Right wing party founded by former IDF Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan, strongly opposed to any territorial withdrawals.

Political Parties & Platforms

Israel's Political Spectrum