Labor

We believe in you Mitzna.

The Labor Party (Mifleget ha-Avodah ha-Yisraelit/Maarach) was established in 1968 with the joining of Mapai, Ahdut Ha'avodah and Labor Rafi. Labor is the dominant left-of center party in Israel.

Palestinian Statehood

The Labor Party recognizes the Palestinians' right to self-determination, and does not rule out in this context the establishment of a Palestinian state with limited sovereignty.

Peace Process

Labor wants to restart negotiations with the Palestinian Authority immediately and does not rule out talks with Yasser Arafat. Labor's belief is that without forward movement on the peace process, Israel should expect no tranquility. A stable peace is, in and of itself, an important security element for the strength of the state.
The Israel Labor Party will continue to pursue a peace agreement with Syria. Within the framework of the peace agreement, Israel will be open to compromise on the basis of land for peace and security.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem was, is, and will remain the capital of Israel. Leading members of the party openly speak about the necessity to negotiate Palestinian rule of parts of Jerusalem and many will support a division in return for concessions to Israel on other issues.

Israeli Communities in the Territories (Settlements)

Labor opposes construction of new settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as well as expansion of existing communities. Labor views such a policy as disruptive to peace negotiations with Palestinians.
Labor aims for a final status agreement with the Palestinians that would extend Israeli sovereignty over a small area (10% - 15% of the West Bank land mass) that contains a high number of Jewish communities while dismantling isolated settlements. Palestinians would be compensated for these blocs of settlements with land elsewhere.

Demographic Issues

Successful absorption of immigrants is a top priority of the Labor party. Labor is also committed to helping the Israeli Arab sector and believes that Palestinian sovereignty is an Israeli imperative inasmuch as it will remove the threat that ruling a large number of Palestinians poses to Israel's Jewish and democratic nature.

Economy & Social Welfare

Labor favors a free market economy, gradual privatization and reduced government involvement in the economy.
Labor maintains that government must act with social responsibility, recognizing that the provision of education, health and other social services, cannot be guaranteed by the market place.

Religion & State

Labor is committed to the unity of the Jewish people and affirms the legitimacy of all religious streams. Labor asserts that Israel is a democratic, Zionist and Jewish State in which all have the right to live in an atmosphere of tolerance and true equality. The Labor Party is opposed to the passage of legislation in the Knesset that would deny the rights to non-Orthodox religious groups in Israel.