Meretz

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Meretz (literally, "Energy") was formed in 1992 by the merger of three parties: MAPAM (Israeli Workers' Party), RATZ (Citizens' Rights Movement) and Shinui (Change). The merger was the result of similar views on the peace process, although positions on economic issues varied. Meretz joined the governing coalition after the 1992 elections becoming Labor's senior partner. In 1996, Shinui left Meretz and became an independent party. In elections that year, Meretz garnered 10 Knesset seats and became the fourth largest party. When in 2000, Ariel Sharon formed a national unity government with the Labor Party, Meretz became the primary party in opposition to the ruling coalition.

Palestinian Statehood

Meretz strongly favors the establishment of a Palestinian State. Views such a state as the only possible guarantor of peace between Israeli and the Palestinians and Arab world.

Peace Process

Meretz fully supports continuing the peace process with the view to creating a Palestinian state that will address the primary grievances of the Palestinians. Once an agreement with the Palestinians is achieved, Israel should work towards a comprehensive regional peace agreement that will impede and actively counter fundamentalist terror that threatens all states in the Middle East. Meretz believes that peace with Syria is key to regional peace and therefore agrees to withdraw from the Golan Heights, assuming that Syria will accept security stipulations safeguarding Israel.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem's special national and religious meaning for all religions and people will be taken into consideration when determining its final status. Meretz does not reject on principle a divided Jerusalem.

Israeli Communities in the Territories (Settlements)

Meretz views the Jewish settlements in the territories and the Golan Heights as the primary obstacle peace agreements with the Palestinians and the Syrians. The party believes that continued settlements endanger Israel's demographic balance and political future. Meretz's platform calls for the permanent borders between Israel and a future Palestinian state to be determined in negotiations but accepts that Israel will have to relinquish most of the land captured in the 1967 Six-Day War and dismantle many settlements. In order to prevent internal civilian strife between different sectors of Israel, Meretz advocates providing attractive resettlement packages to settlers in the hope that most will opt to leave their communities peacefully with little resistance.

Demographic Issues

Meretz supports increased Jewish immigration to Israel and wants the state to guarantee immigrants suitable housing, employment and assistance in integrating into Israeli society. The party has consistently voiced support and concern for equal rights for the Arab minority in Israel. Meretz believes that Israel's Jewish and democratic nature is severely threatened by Israel's rule in the territories. Accordingly, Israel should advance the peace process and help establish a Palestinian state in the immediate future.

Economy & Social Welfare

Meretz supports a modern economy that combines economic growth with sensitivity to social needs and the underprivileged.

Religion & State

Although recognizing that Jewish tradition is a primary element of Israel's national culture, Meretz believes that tradition should not dictate the norms of individuals in an open, democratic society. Meretz supports legislation that guarantees freedom of religion for Israel's citizens and grants equal status to all streams of Judaism - Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist.

Meretz rejects the religious status quo in which vital services such as public transport are disallowed on Saturday (Shabbat). Meretz also rejects the exemption of ultra-orthodox scholars from full military.