Likud
Likud is a major right-wing political party in Israel.
Likud is a major right-wing political party in Israel. It was formed in 1973 as an alliance of several right-wing and liberal factions, and it first led the Israeli government in 1977 under Menachem Begin. Since then, it has been one of the two dominant parties in Israeli politics and has frequently led coalition governments.
History
Likud was formed in September 1973 from several right-wing and liberal parties, including Herut, the Liberal Party, the Free Center, the National List, and the Movement for Greater Israel. Its 1977 election victory under Menachem Begin was a major shift in Israeli politics, ending long-term Labor dominance and marking the first time the left lost power in Israel.
Ideology and platform
The party is generally described as right-wing and conservative, with roots in Revisionist Zionism. Sources describe its positions as favouring nationalism, a free market economy, and skepticism toward territorial concessions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Role in Israeli politics
Likud has been one of Israel’s two main governing parties for decades, alternating in power with Labour and other coalition partners. It has led the government under figures including Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir, Ariel Sharon, and Benjamin Netanyahu. The party has repeatedly formed coalition governments with smaller religious or nationalist parties.
Organization
Likud began as an alliance in 1973 and later evolved into a unified party. It has historically drawn support from a range of right-wing, nationalist, and religious constituencies and has commonly governed through coalitions.
Key facts
- Likud was established in 1973 as an electoral alliance before later becoming a unified party.
- It won a landmark election victory in 1977, ending long-term Labor dominance in Israel.
- The party has often alternated in government with Labor and other centre-left coalitions.
- Likud is generally identified with right-wing, nationalist, and conservative politics.
- Benjamin Netanyahu has been one of Likud’s most prominent leaders.
Likud is relevant to Canadian readers through Canada’s diplomatic, trade, and security relations with Israel, and through Canadian coverage of Israeli elections and Middle East policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is Likud?
When was Likud founded?
Who founded Likud?
When did Likud first win power?
What is Likud’s political ideology?
Who leads Likud?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LikudSupports: Founding date, formation as an alliance, first election victory, and basic historical background.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/LikudSupports: Party description, founding in September 1973, first coming to power in 1977, and general ideological characterization.
- Likud Party — https://www.likud.org.il/en/about-the-likud/history-of-the-movementSupports: Party history, founding alliance members, and stated ideological principles.
- Israel Democracy Institute — https://en.idi.org.il/israeli-elections-and-parties/parties/likud/Supports: Recent governing status and role in Israeli coalition politics.