The National Religious Party promotes combination of orthodox Judaism and Zionism with a modern orientation. Precursors to the present party served as coalition partner of Mapai-led governments from 1948-1977. The Mafdal was officially established in 1956 through the merging of Mizrachi, Ha-poel Mizrachi and other religious Zionist supporters.
In 1977, the Mafdal's coalition with the Likud ended 29 years of Labor government; up until 1992, it joined all governments as part of the coalition or national unity government. Although its socialist foundations stem from the religious kibbutz movement, the Mafdal is now usually identified with the "right" because of its territorial position. In fact, many of its supporters live in communities established in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip. The party initially joined Ehud Barak's government in 1996, yet after Ehud Barak's proposed territorial concessions to the Palestinians were announced, the Mafdal left the government.
The Mafdal's platform emphasizes the centrality of Judaism to Israel on the religious, cultural and political levels. It seeks unity with secular Jews for whom the Jewish nation and Zionism are paramount.
Palestinian Statehood
The Mafdal is strongly opposed to a Palestinian state on religious, ideological and practical grounds.
Peace Process
The Mafdal accepted the Oslo Accords as a fait accompli, but feels vindicated in their failure since the party vigorously opposed the accords from their inception. Mafdal supports direct, bilateral negotiations with Arab states and is against the "land for peace" formulation.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the spiritual and political capital of the State of Israel. The National Religious Party opposes any division of the city as well as Palestinian or international sovereignty over the Temple Mount or other areas.
Israeli Communities in the Territories (Settlements)
Communities in the territories are an integral part of the State of Israel. Mafdal opposes relinquishing land to the any foreign state or authority and rejects outright the notion that Jewish settlements should be uprooted.
Demographic Issues
The Mafdal is an ardent supporter of Jewish immigration to Israel and has made efforts to address the issue of non-Jewish immigrants coming to Israel under the Law of Return. The efforts are primarily designed provide a way to encourage the non-Jewish population to convert to Judaism within a liberal interpretation of Jewish Law. In order to stem the tide of non-Jewish immigrants and avoid the inherent problems they present the Jewish State, Mafdal would support an amendment to the Law of Return.
Mafdal believes that immigration to Israel, coupled with limited Palestinian self-rule is a suitable answer to the demographic challenges the Palestinians of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip pose to the Jewish character of Israel.
Economy & Social Welfare
The Mafdal is largely responsible for the fact that parents can choose to send their children to state-funded religious schools. In addition, the Mafdal spearheaded the movement to establish religious courts endowed with legal authority over all issues of personal jurisdiction in the Jewish community. The Mafdal was also the progenitor of legislation calling for exclusive use of kosher food in the army and at government functions.
Religion & State
Supports the religious status quo and opposes separation of religion and state. The Mafdal recognizes the government as a secular authority, yet party policy calls for making Israeli law consistent with halacha (Jewish law), particularly in regard to the Law of Return.
The Mafdal strongly supports military service for all citizens, but does not favor the coercion of ultra-orthodox into military or national service.
