Likud

Likud. Likud is a major right-wing political party in Israel, founded in 1973 as an alliance of several Revisionist Zionist and liberal conservative factions. It has been a dominant force in Israeli politics, forming numerous governments and shaping the nation's domestic and foreign policy. The party's platform traditionally emphasizes national security, free market economics, and the historical Jewish claim to the Land of Israel.

History

Likud was formally established in 1973 under the leadership of Menachem Begin, unifying the Herut party, the Liberal Party, and smaller groups. It first came to power in the 1977 election, ending nearly three decades of dominance by the Alignment and marking a major political realignment known as "the Upheaval." Under Begin, Likud signed the peace treaty with Egypt and oversaw the 1982 Lebanon War. The party was led by Yitzhak Shamir throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, a period that included the First Intifada and the Gulf War. After a period in opposition following the 1992 election, Benjamin Netanyahu led Likud to victory in the 1996 election, becoming the youngest Prime Minister of Israel in history. The party returned to power under Netanyahu in 2009, beginning a prolonged period of governance that has included conflicts such as Operation Pillar of Defense and Operation Protective Edge, and the signing of the Abraham Accords.

Ideology and political positions

Likud's ideology is rooted in Revisionist Zionism, as articulated by Ze'ev Jabotinsky, stressing Jewish sovereignty over the entirety of the Land of Israel. The party supports the development of settlements in the West Bank and considers Jerusalem the indivisible capital of Israel. On security, it advocates a strong stance against threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, often opposing the Iran nuclear deal. Economically, Likud has historically promoted privatization and liberalization, influenced by figures like Milton Friedman, though its policies in government have sometimes included significant state intervention. Regarding the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the party officially supports a two-state framework under certain conditions but is skeptical of the Palestinian Authority's commitment to peace.

Leadership and structure

The party is led by a chairman, who has historically been its candidate for prime minister; long-serving leaders include Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir, Ariel Sharon, and Benjamin Netanyahu. Its central governing body is the Likud Central Committee, which sets policy and selects candidates for the Knesset. Key factions within Likud have included traditional Revisionists, economic liberals, and representatives from various sectors including the Russian-speaking community and Mizrahi constituencies. Prominent figures beyond the chairmen have included Moshe Arens, Silvan Shalom, Gideon Sa'ar, and Yisrael Katz.

Electoral performance

Likud won its first election in 1977, securing 43 seats in the Knesset. It achieved its highest seat count in the 2022 election, winning 32 seats. The party has consistently been one of the two largest in Israeli politics, primarily competing against the Labor Party and, more recently, Yesh Atid and the Blue and White alliance. Its electoral base traditionally includes Mizrahi Jews, the national religious community, and working-class Israelis, though it has also made inroads with Russian immigrants and secular voters. Major electoral setbacks occurred in 1992, 1999, and 2006.

Government participation

Likud has led or been a senior partner in many Israeli governments. Its first premiership under Menachem Begin included the Camp David Accords and the bombing of the Osirak reactor. In the 1980s, it formed national unity governments with the Alignment during the First Intifada. Under Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership since 2009, Likud has headed coalitions typically including The Jewish Home, Shas, United Torah Judaism, and Yisrael Beiteinu. These governments have passed the Nation-State Law, managed relations with the Trump administration, and normalized ties with several Arab states through the Abraham Accords. The party has also been in opposition several times, notably after the 2006 and 2021 elections.

Category:Political parties in Israel Category:1973 establishments in Israel