Party Platform Selections 2009 - Website DEMOCRACY

Israel General Elections to the 18th Knesset - 10 February 2009
A Summary of Political Party Platforms from A to Z

Party Platforms of the Major Parties

1

The Israeli Labor Party - ‫מפלגת העבודה הישראלית‬
Current Knesset Seats (1-2009): Labor = 18
Candidate for Prime Minister: Ehud Barak

Socio-economic Issues Peace & Diplomacy Religion & State Security, Settlements

Social justice, responsibility, social Two states for two peoples. A Peace agreement and two The Security Fence is a vital defensive measure
inclusion. The economy is not saved by Seeks a just and lasting peace with states will ensure a Jewish, and should be completed. Its route will be
cuts in social welfare that aggravate secure and defensible borders for democratic state. based on legal and security considerations.
poverty. Narrow the social gap by a Israel.
fairer distribution of resources and Opposes the passage of Israel will retain major settlement blocs. Settlers
measures to reduce poverty. Supports land for peace formula; legislation in the Knesset who leave will receive fair compensation.
supported Disengagement Plan denying the rights of non-
Accept free market economy, while from Gaza. Seeks a return to the Orthodox religious groups in Open to division of Jerusalem and separate
protecting the jobs, conditions and Road Map for Peace, towards a final Israel. sovereignty.
wages of workers. Raise minimum status agreement based on pre-67
wage, improve NI payments to the status quo. Jerusalem remains Affirms the legitimacy of all
elderly, create compulsory contributory Israel's capital. religious streams.
pension, invest to reduce
unemployment. Increase investment in No direct negotiations with Hamas.
development of infrastructure, culture Israel should work to isolate Hamas
and social welfare programs, public internationally and should apply
housing. Comprehensive educational pressure on Hamas to change its
reform; free public education and doctrine. Partners for negotiation
health services. must recognize Israel's right to exist
in secure and recognized borders.
Equal rights and opportunities for all
citizens.

http://www.knesset.gov.il/elections16/eng/lists/list_eng.asp?id=18
http://www.avoda.org.il
http://www.ynet.co.il/english/articles/0,7340,L-3498355,00.html
http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/819/975.html

2

Balad - National Democratic Assembly ‫בל"ד - הברית הלאומית הדמוקרטית‬
Current Knesset Seats (1-2009) = 3
Party Head: Jamal Zahalka


Israel is the state of all its citizens. Balad Supports a peace agreement Opposes any religious laws that Settlements should be dismantled in the
reflects interests in the Arab sector and ensuring "the withdrawal of Israel are discriminatory towards the framework of a comprehensive peace
aims to eliminate all state institutions from all occupied Arab territories national minorities. agreement.
and laws that discriminate against and the establishment of an
Arabs in Israel, including prejudice in independent Palestinian state" in Supports the separation of Jerusalem as capital of Palestinian state.
the national budget. the "Occupied Territories, with East Religion and State
Israel should recognize and protect Jerusalem as its capital."
Arab national minority rights and grant Annul official recognition of
cultural autonomy to Arabs in matters Supports the Right of Return for all Zionist organizations: Jewish
that distinguish them from the national Arab refugees (1948, 1967). Agency, Keren Kayemeth
majority. Demands recognition of LeIsrael.
unrecognized Arab villages. Rejects
compulsory military service for Arab
citizens.

http://www.knesset.gov.il/faction/eng/FactionPageCurrent_eng.asp?PG=103
http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/821/685.html (Hebrew)

3

Gil - Pensioners of Israel to the Knesset ‫גיל – גימלאי ישראל לכנסת‬
Current Knesset Seats (1-2009)=6
Party Head - Rafael Eitan

Socio-economic Issues Peace & Diplomacy Religion & State Security,
Settlements

Improvement of Pensioners' rights: No clear policy: Coalition with a Separation of Religion and No clear
housing, health and culture. government that seeks to achieve State. platform.
secure borders for Israel.
Promotion of democratic society,
educational opportunities, hi-tech,
economic prosperity.

http://www.knesset.gov.il/faction/eng/FactionPage_eng.asp?PG=191 http://www.knesset.gov.il/mk/eng/mk_eng.asp?mk_individual_id_t=794
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Personalities/From+A-Z/Rafi+Eitan.htm
http://news.nana10.co.il/Article/?ArticleID=363795& (Hebrew, 2006)

4

Hadash - The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality ‫חד"ש - החזית הדמוקרטית לשלום ולשוויון‬
Current Knesset Seats=3
Party Head - Mohammad Barakeh


A Jewish-Arab party relatively classic 2 states for 2 peoples. Israel as a state of all its All settlements over pre-1967 borders are illegal
communist – socialist position on: citizens, full equality for and should be evacuated, including East
economy, labor, social welfare, health, Establishment of a Palestinian capital Arab citizens. Jerusalem.
education. Aims to draw larger Jewish in the areas of Jerusalem annexed to
Israeli vote and membership through Israel after June 1967 (East Jerusalem). Separation of religion and Division of sovereignty in Jerusalem.
merger with Tarabut socio-political state. Civil marriage and
movement. Complete withdrawal from all areas divorce. Abolition of Merged with Tarabut the Anti-Fence
conquered in the Six Day War. coercive religious law. movement/lobby, on Israeli political left.
Primary issues: Social justice, equality; Pursue a "just settlement of the Freedom of conscience.
recognition of the national Arab- refugee issue"; All provisions should
Palestinian minority and its rights – be anchored by peace agreements. "... opposed to the passage
positive ethnic discrimination; greater of legislation in the Knesset
cultural integration of the Arab Opposes the Security Fence. which would deny the
minority; sexual equality. Investment in rights of non-Orthodox
schools, urban rehabilitation. religious groups in Israel."
Transparency of government, freedom
of information.

Strong green (ecological) platform on:
protection of environment, pollution,
cellular antennae.

http://www.hadash.org.il/english/index.html http://www.hadash.org.il/ (Hebrew, English)

5

Habayit Hayehudi - The New Mafdal Party ‫הבית היהודי -מפד"ל החדשה‬
Current Knesset Seats (1-2009)=5
Party Head: Prof. Daniel Hershkovitz

Split from: Ichud Leumi-Moledet –Tekuma-Mafdal/NRP, New Religious Zionism


Right-wing, focusing on a redemptive Supports direct peace negotiations "Israel is a Jewish and Emphasis on renewing significance of Judaism
religious Zionist platform. with all the Arab states and with the democratic state. As such it and Zionism in Eretz Yisrael, and the settlements.
Arabs of Israel, based on the following will protect equal rights for Promotes active settlement in all areas of Eretz
Better employment, immigration principles: ensuring full and abiding all its citizens and residents. Yisrael to create a vibrant economy, and a strong
assistance; housing, education security for the individual and the The standing of the Jewish presence and ensure security.
programs; improve medical care and state; uncompromising battle against legislative authority will be
social welfare; ensure reasonable terror; no Palestinian state west of the strengthened and the Opposes all uprooting of settlements and
income level. Jordan; unified Jerusalem as the independence of the territorial compromise on Jerusalem.
eternal capital of the people of Israel judiciary will be honored."
Promote and finance excellence in and the State of Israel alone; Affirmation of Israeli sovereignty over the Temple
education, with integration of negotiated autonomy for Arabs of the To ensure Israel's Jewish Mount.
Jewish/Zionist values. Territories; no Arab "right of return". character by promulgating
the heritage and values of
Advocates a democratic Jewish state. the Jewish People. Favors
legislation to ensure the
Jewish nature of the State.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Home
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Religious_Party
http://www.mafdal.org.il/ (Hebrew )
http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART1/820/795.html (NRP Hebrew)
http://elections.walla.co.il/?w=/13375/@entity (Hebrew)
http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasite/spages/1044823.html (Hebrew)

6

Ichud Leumi – ‫האיחוד הלאומי‬
Current Knesset Seats – 10
Party Head – Yehuda Katz (Running with HaBayit HaLeumi for 18th Knesset)

Split from: Ichud Leumi-Moledet –Tekuma-Mafdal/NRP, New Religious Zionism


Right wing, nationalist platform; "Peace for peace" – with Israel Democratic Jewish state. Eretz Yisrael is the Jewish national home of all the
promotion of a democratic Jewish state retaining current borders - to be Enhance Jewish and Jewish People.
and Zionist renewal achieved by agreement, and national Zionist identity
resolution of the refugee problem . through education to Opposes all uprooting of settlements. Promotes
Advocates for: A liberal economy, via "population exchange." Jewish history and values, active settlement in all areas of Eretz Yisrael to
elimination of monopolies, narrow social based on Jewish sources. create a vibrant economy, a strong Jewish
gap and fostering equality; drastic Supports direct peace negotiations presence, and ensure security.
reduction of the public sector, with all the Arab states and with the Supports a constitution that
encouragement of private enterprise. Arabs of Israel, based on: ensuring legislates for the Jewish and Opposes territorial compromise on Jerusalem.
Promote and finance excellence in full and abiding security for the Zionist nature of the State Affirmation of Israeli sovereignty over the Temple
education. Reinforce the status of Hebrew individual and the state; of Israel. Mount.
language. uncompromising battle against
terror; no Palestinian state west of No specific religious Israel will not surrender to terror. Destroy Terror
Pledge of loyalty as condition for the Jordan; unified Jerusalem as the platform: aims to represent infrastructure by removing all terrorists, weapons
citizenship. Clean government, eternal capital of the people of Israel a broader constituency of and bomb factories from Judea, Samaria & Gaza.
elimination of financial and media and the State of Israel alone; the Israeli right-wing.
connection to political power. negotiated autonomy for Arabs of Will work to preserve the integrity of Eretz Yisrael
the Territories; no Arab "right of and its environment.
Only those who serve in the IDF should return" to Israel.
have the right to be elected to the
Knesset.

http://www.leumi.org.il/index.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Union_(Israel)
http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasite/spages/1044823.html (Hebrew)
http://elections.walla.co.il/?w=/14712/@entity (Hebrew)

7

Kadima ‫קדימה‬
Current Knesset Seats -29
Candidate for Prime Minister - Tzipi Livni


Israel has lost its international competitive "Two nation states, based on existing Importance of core
edge and the widening social gap threatens demographic realities," living side by side.in Jewish and
the fabric of Israeli society. peace and security. democratic values,
improve relations
Objective is a sovereign, democratic,
A regulated, liberal market economy will Territorial compromise is required to ensure a with Jewish
secure, Jewish national state.
increase prosperity, Need for equality of sovereign, democratic Jewish national state, and communities in the
funding in education; encouraging will be based on bilateral processes/agreements. Diaspora.
Security Fence must be completed to
increased employment and retraining
ensure maximum security for Israeli
through adult education; a social safety Peace agreement establishing Palestinian Resolve the issue of
citizens, taking into account
network for the disabled and the aged; statehood to include the "cessation of all those who cannot
humanitarian needs of Palestinians.
reform of the health system; development Palestinian claims towards Israel, including marry in Israel.
of the Negev and Galilee; reduce number of refugees."; as well as renunciation of terror,
Dismantling of illegal settlements.
foreign workers. Investment in R&D dismantling of terrorist infrastructure; Palestinian
Retention of major settlement blocs.
technologies, support for small businesses. state will be demilitarized.
Further privatization; curbs on monopolies.
Need for "unremitting war" on terrorists,
Israel will:
terrorist infrastructure.
Reduction of government expenditure, o retain areas that are crucial for its
streamlining of government infrastructure security.
Position on Jerusalem: Jerusalem as the
and offices. Transparency of government o retain Jewish holy places that are of
capital of Israel and open to separation
central religious and national
of Arab villages; unclear on Old City.
Integration and complete equality of rights importance.
for Israel's minorities. o retain the large Jewish settlement blocs."

http://www.kadima.org.il

8

Likud ‫הליכוד‬
Current Knesset Seats (12), with Achi ‫)2( אחי‬
Candidate for Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu


A strong, competitive market economy Support peace negotiations, but will “We shall have to ease tensions
creates a strong society. negotiate only with sincere partners between the secular and
who reject terrorism, recognize Israel's religious, Arab and Jew, Unilateral territorial concessions offer a
Rapid economic growth based on right to exist, and engage in a process Diaspora Jews and Israelis. The reward for terror, and weakens moderate
private investment, with necessary based upon reciprocity. intensity of these tensions is Arab voices.
reforms due to the prevailing economic often exaggerated, but they do
crisis including tax reform to encourage Israel's borders will be based on the exist. They should be The pre-1967 borders are not secure and are
investment and employment; security value of decisive geographic ameliorated through dialogue only a staging point for the terrorist
reduction of budget deficit, especially features. Rejects a return to pre-1967 and compromise, not judicial movements.
bureaucracy and waste in the public borders, or any resolution of borders coercion, abrasive legislation
sector, reduction of welfare benefits to without an adequate strategic security and offensive rhetoric..." Israel should defend itself against terror and
those who can work; promotion of envelope, and a stable and reciprocal protect its citizens: Gaza is a mini-state of
return to work for unemployed; new peace agreement terror, under Hamas control. In Judea and
jobs for high unemployment areas. Samaria, this potential is greater and
"Peace agreements will include full represents a threat to Jerusalem, too.
Improve transport infrastructure to the diplomatic relations, borders open to
periphery; open skies policy on air free movement, economic cooperation, The Security Fence should be completed and
transport. Law and order: safety of and the establishment of joint projects illegal outposts removed, to reduce friction
citizens; zero tolerance for organized in the fields of science, technology, with the Palestinian population.
crime. tourism, and industry."
Opposes any territorial compromise on
De facto, has acknowledged that Israel Jerusalem.
is proceeding towards a two-state
resolution of the conflict.

http://www.likud.co.il/ [Hebrew]

9

Meretz /New Movement ‫מרץ התנועה החדשה‬
Party Head: Haim Oron

Was Meretz-Yahad in the 17th Knesset


Social and financial legislation to create a stronger, Supports a 2-state solution, Advocates a liberal approach to Illegal settlements should be removed; small and
more cohesive democratic society and ensure based on the pre-1967 religious issues: supports isolated settlements are a security burden. End
equality of social rights and opportunity for all: borders, with necessary separation of religion from expropriation of Palestinian lands for settlements
providing universal health services, free education modifications in a formal state, civil rights and equality, construction. Settlements should be dismantled:
and adequate welfare benefits for those who agreement. civil marriage and divorce. offer incentives to families that choose to live
cannot work. Advocates the freedom to open inside Israel's pre-1967 borders.
Israel should strive to shops and run transport on
Provision for underrepresented sectors – integrate itself in the Shabbat, although Shabbat will Territorial compromise over Jerusalem as capital
handicapped, homosexuals, women, and non- Middle East and seek a continue to be the public day of city of Israel and Palestinian state.
Jewish minorities, elderly, children. regional settlement. rest.
Opposes the current route of the Security Fence,
Improvement of minimun wage and reform of Dialogue with the Argues that the Law of Return but supports the existence of a security barrier
labor conditions. Retraining for the unemployed. Palestinian Authority, in should apply to any person who along the pre-67 border, although not inside
Improved access to higher education and culture. order to strengthen declares in good faith that Jerusalem.
moderates against Hamas. he/she is Jewish and not just by
Tax reform similar to other developed countries, Avoid collective Halachic standards. Opposes the use of administrative detention for
and the institution of inheritance tax. punishment of the Palestinian suspects.
Fund new housing for tens of the thousands of Palestinian people in Opposed the Tal Law because of
homeless families; realistic mortgages for young response to terror. The exemptions for Yeshiva
couples, purchase of public housing. Palestinian Authority must students.
Reduction of length of military service, equality of prove though its actions
service commitments. that it is making every effort Strives for the annulment of any
to prevent terrorist acts law that conflicts with the Basic
Strong democratic platform on clean government, against Israel. Law on the Dignity of Man and
enforcement of the law. Personal Freedom.
Significant green platform on the environment.

http://www.meretz.org.il/ (Hebrew, English)

10

Ra'am-Ta'al The United Arab List/ The Arab Movement For Renewal ‫רע"מ-תע"ל רש' ערבית מאוחדת‬
Current Knesset Members =4
Party Head – Ahmad Tibi


Seeks equality of rights and opportunities for Arab Supports a 2-state solution Equality should be given to Dismantling of all settlements over the Green
citizens of Israel, including dedicated funding. for 2 peoples, based on all religions in Israel. Line.
Reflects Arab, Islamic and Beduin sectors. June 4, 1967 borders, with Separation of religion and
Arab Jerusalem as its capital state. Jerusalem to be divided between Israel and a
Seeks to close the economic and social gap existing [division of Jerusalem]. Palestinian State.
between the Arabs and Jews through affirmative Palestine will live side by Educate youth towards the
action type projects in fields such as: agriculture, side with the Israeli state. identity and history of the
industry, education, housing communication, and Arab Palestinian population
health. Promotes establishment of an Arab university Calls for a fair solution for in Israel,” paralleling the
in Israel. Palestinian refugees, based Jewish emphasis in the
on UN resolutions. state religious educational
Develop the infrastructure of the streets in Arab system.
regions and promote road safety; cancel the VAT Relinquishing weapons of Moslem holy sites should
imposed on properties; recognize the non- mass destruction by Israel revert to legal owners; all
recognized villages; resolve the internal refugee and other states. religious sites should enjoy
problem. financial support. Sharia
court system should be
Rejects military service for Israel's Arab minority. independent.


11

Shas ‫שס‬
Current Knesset Seats = 12
Party Head: Eliyahu Yishai


A social rights law covering: education, housing, health, Shas opposed the Oslo Israel is the state of the Jewish Views the development of all of Eretz Yisrael
welfare, work. Accords and the Road People. Public bodies should as equally important, including:
Map; opposed the reflect the Jewish nature of government authorized settlement
Minimum wage for unskilled labor and fair professional Disengagement Plan the country, within the development in Judea & Samaria;
wage demands for skilled labor and qualified workers; on the grounds that it preservation of the status quo development of the Negev & Galilee;
end of sub-contracted government/ public positions to was unilateral, not an [e.g.: no transport on Shabbat, development of Hi-Tech in the periphery;
manpower companies; inclusion of all wage components agreement, and thus no businesses on Shabbat]. improved transport infrastructure, housing
towards pension; positive discrimination for women. presented a danger to and education subsidies in the peripheral
Return and improvement of child allowances to previous the security of Israeli The state is responsible for regions of Israel.
levels, as the true form of "negative taxation" – Israel citizens. providing essential religious
almost halved its family allocations in recent years. services, protection of places Opposes any territorial division of Jerusalem
However R. Ovadiah of worship; it should also and any territorial compromise that poses a
Education: equal allocations for all schools, in all Yosef has in the past provide for research into security threat to Israel.
education systems, especially in the periphery; improved voiced support for Jewish heritage and support
teacher salaries; free education from kindergarten territorial compromise Torah institutions.
through high school; subsidized higher education; if it can prove to
education for women; partial subsidies for school prevent the loss of life. Accepts the Tal Law and
lunches. professionalization of the
Compulsory, adequate pension; investment in the ultra-orthodox community.
economy and infrastructure; tax incentives for low wage
earners; recognition of child care charges for tax
purposes; reduce number of foreign workers; health
system reform.

Shas (Party website in Hebrew)

12

United Torah Judaism ‫יהדות התורה‬
Party Head - Yaakov Litzman

Union of Agudat Yisrael and Degel HaTorah


No major declared economic platform; represents No declared platform. Non-Zionist party. No declared security platform – largely
its demographically growing ultra- pragmatic approach.
orthodoxconstituency throughout Israel. Believes that Israeli culture leads to
loss of Jewish identity. UTJ enjoys growing support by settlers but
Campaigns for welfare system and education attributes trend to its religious policies, rather
through financial support for its constituency and Seeks to strengthen its than to any pro-settlement policy.
institutions, incl. state-supported Chinuch Atzma'i - understanding of the Jewish nature
independent education system. of Israel.

Maintains that Jewish education for all the Rabbinical courts should have the
children of Israel should always be prime on same status as other courts of law.
government agenda. Actively opposes civil marriage and
recognition of non-Orthodox
conversions inside or out of Israel, as
well as non-Orthodox participants
on local religious councils.

Opposed the Tal Law on IDF service.
Women should not serve in the
army.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Torah_Judaism
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/363_Transp/Orthodoxy/Aguddah.html

13

Yisrael Beitenu ‫ישראל ביתנו‬
Current Knesset Seats = 11
Party Head - Avigdor Lieberman


Law and Order. Israel faces internal, local and regional
A Citizenship Law should be No Security Fence in history has prevented
threats, as well as a demographic legislated to ensure equal rights war or provided security over a long
No declared platform on other issues, but threat that can be addressed in and equal responsibilities. Every period.
promotes the integration of olim into different ways. citizen should declare
Israeli life, equal rights and equal allegiance to the Israel The Hamas election victory in the PA is
obligations for all. Israel must negotiate the final borders Declaration of Independence, proof of the serious threat of Palestinian
and work only towards a final status including olim who immigrate terror.
agreement which ensures an end to all under the Law of Return.
claims against Israel. The final status agreement should preserve
The State should endeavor to major Israeli settlement blocs close to the
Set definitive borders with Egypt, bring olim from the USSR/Russia pre-1967 borders; prefers an exchange of
Jordan and Lebanon. closer to Jewish values. territories rather than territorial
A final status agreement should concession. The terms should be accepted
preserve major Israeli settlement blocs Every citizen should be obliged by consensus in Israel and supported by
close to the pre-1967 borders. to fufill the obligation to major international players.
military or national service:
those who refuse should lose No territorial compromise over Jerusalem.
their citizenship and be granted
permanent residency.

Yisrael Beytenu (English) http://www.beytenu.org.il/

14

Breakaway Parliamentary Groups inside the 17th Knesset

National Arab Party ‫המפלגה הלאומית הערבית‬
Current Knesset Members=1
Muhamad Kanan

Arab Center Party/Hizb Al Wasat Al-Arabi (ex-UAL moderate Islamic)
Current Knesset Members=1
Abbas Z'koor

Not standing for election for the 18th Knesset


Focus on addressing equal rights and hardships of all sects Would join a leftist coalition Equal rights. Similar to Ra'am/UAL
of Israeli Arab citizens, through resolving issues of that supports peace.
education, infrastructure, industry, and poverty.
Distinguishes Israeli Arab population from the Palestinian
people.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3632929,00.html
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702420982&pagename=Jpost%2FJPArticle%2FshowFull
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Centre_Party

The Right Way ‫הדרך הטובה‬
Current Knesset Members= 1)
Elhanan Glazer

Breakaway from the faction that broke with Gil (which later rejoined Gil) in the 17th Knesset.


Pensioners' rights, social democracy.


15

Other Political Parties (Not Represented in the 17th Knesset)

Green Leaf Party – Ale Yarok ‫עלה ירוק‬
Party Head - Gil Kopatch


Would propose legislation to legalize 2 secure states for 2 Supports separation of No declared platform
cannabis for medical and recreative peoples. Peace can only be religion from state and the
purposes. achieved by painful recognition of all streams of
territorial concessions by Judaism.
Supports a more balanced tax system; both sides.
improved social support systems for victims Opposes state funding of
of crimes; subsidies to environmentally Green Leaf supports 2-state religious institutions that
friendly economic ventures. solution based on pre-67 do not meet educational
borders, with minor criteria; opposes the Tal
Supports animal rights, controlled adjustments. Law and exemption from
prostitution, equal rights for gays and military service.
lesbians, and strengthened rights for
foreign workers. Supports public transport
on Shabbat, civil marriage.
Substantial increased state aid for Holocaust
survivors.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1045434.html
http://ale-yarok.org.il/ (Hebrew)

16

The Green Movement/Meimad - Hatenu'ah Hayerukah/ Meimad ‫הירוקה התנועה-מימד‬
Party Heads - Eran Ben-Yemini; Michael Melchior

MK Melchior sits in the 17th Knesset representing Meimad


Development of sustainable energy Peace as an economic and Democracy and equality of all Peace as an economic and environmental necessity.
resources, and affordable public transport. environmental necessity. citizens, personal freedom..
(Meimad) Accepts the Multiculturalism and (Similar to the Labor Party)
Green platform needs to be holistic with all principle of land for peace. tolerance. Dialogue within
other factors. Though Jews have right to Judaism.
Land of Israel, the good of (Meimad)
Equality of opportunity and education. the people of Israel takes
Democracy and equality of all citizens, precedence over the land Incorporate Orthodox
personal freedom. Multiculturalism and itself. religious practice in Israeli
tolerance. public life, without restrictive
Jerusalem is and should legislation.
remain united capital of
Israel. Supports democratic
practices in the Jewish state,
education to democratic
values in the school system.

http://yeruka.org.il/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=724&Itemid=249
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1226404769699&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1045325.html
http://www.melchior.org.il/english/index.asp
http://www.yeruca.org.il/ http://www.yeruka.org.il/ (Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish)
http://yarok.walla.co.il/?w=//1388427 (Hebrew)
http://www.melchior.org.il/ (Hebrew)

17

Green Party ‫הירוקים‬
Peer Weissner


End destruction of the environment: fight against Will work towards peace To preserve the Jewish character of the No declared platform.
health and environmentally damaging factors, between Israel and her State of Israel, while allowing for religious
such as cellular antenna transmissions, pollution of neighbors, and pluralism.
Israel’s air and water aquifers. cooperation, which will
also bring economic To preserve an obligatory day of rest to
Increased government support and development prosperity. prevent worker exploitation, which will be
for clean energy, transport, clean agriculture. Shabbat. Limited public transport should
run on Shabbat.
Foster growth of civil society, equality and
freedom for citizens. Supports institution of civil marriage in
Israel, recognition of single sex couples.
Legislate a constitution for Israel. Increased Foster growth of civil society, equality and
transparency of government. freedom for citizens.
National Service for all.
Foster development, education, personal dignity.

Reduce rate of population growth and
inducements for immigration.

http://www.green-party.co.il/

18

Strong Israel -Yisrael Hazakah ‫ישראל חזקה‬

Party Head - Efraim Sneh

Efraim Sneh is a former MK from the Labor Party. The party combines supporters from Labor (Avodah), with Shinui activists, but has no current
members of Knesset.


Center-Left party with a strong welfare Two states for two peoples. Equal status for all Two states for two peoples.
state and social democratic platform, but streams of Judaism.
aligned with economic growth. Promotion
of: human rights, education, law
enforcement, security; transparency and
integrity of government.

Significant green platform.

http://www.sneh.org.il/eng/articles/siteArticle.asp?aid=167&cid=58
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/
ShowFull&cid=1222017466546
http://www.israelhazaka.org.il/14-he/StrongIsrael.aspx (Hebrew, English, Russian)

19

Israeli Political Parties - Web Resources
In English ‫בעברית‬
At the Knesset Website: :‫באתר הכנסת‬

17th Knesset: Current Functioning Parliamentary Groups 18‐ ‫בחירות לכנסת ה‬
http://www.knesset.gov.il/faction/eng/FactionCurrent_eng.asp http://www.knesset.gov.il/elections18/heb/home.aspx

Current Members of Knesset by Parliamentary Group (1‐09) – ‫סיעות המכהנות כיום‬
http://www.knesset.gov.il/mk/eng/mkindex_current_eng.asp?view=1 http://www.knesset.gov.il/faction/heb/FactionCurrent.asp

Factional and Government Make-Up of the Seventeenth Knesset 17‐‫רשימות המועמדים לכנסת ה‬
http://www.knesset.gov.il/elections17/heb/list/ListIndex.asp
Lists and Candidates
‫רשימת המעומדים לפי סדר הגשתם‬
http://www.knesset.gov.il/elections17/eng/list/ListIndex_eng.asp
http://www.knesset.gov.il/elections18/heb/list/ListsSubmitted.pdf

At the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs: :‫אתרים ממשלתיים נוספים‬

Elections in Israel – February 2009 ‫משרד המשפטים – רשם המפלגות – רשימת מפלגות‬
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Modern+History/Historic+Events/Elections_in_Israel_February_2009.htm http://www.justice.gov.il/MOJHeb/RashamMiflagot/reShimatMiflagot.htm

Leading Personalities from A-Z 2009 ‫בחירות‬
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Personalities/From+A-Z/ http://www.bhirot2009.co.il/home.yecms/index

Other Sources: :‫מקורות נוספים‬

Haaretz Special Report – Elections 2009 2009 ‫המכון הישראלי לדמוקרטיה – בחירות‬
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/pages/elections2009.jhtml?contrassID=1&subContrassID=32 http://www.idi.org.il/Pages/Home_Page.aspx

The Israel Democracy Institute - Elections 2009 ‫ ישראל בוחרת‬YNET
http://www.idi.org.il/sites/english/Pages/homepage.aspx http://www.ynet.co.il/home/0,7340,L-6974,00.html

Jpost Special Report - Elections 2009 2009 ‫ בחירות‬nrg ‫מעריב‬
http://info.jpost.com/C006/Supplements/elections.2006/slips.html http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/HP_333.html

Gila Ansell Brauner & Scott Copeland
Feb-09 / ‫י' שבט תשס"ט‬

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Party Platform Selections 2009 - Website DEMOCRACY

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