Liberalism has played a role in the political history of Israel since Israel's founding. Several liberal political parties have claimed substantial popular support, mainly proved by having representation in the Knesset. While liberalism is usually suspicious of nationalism, Jewish liberals in Israel generally support some form of Zionism.
Contents
- From General Zionists to Liberal Party
- From Progressive Party to Independent Liberals
- Shinui Democratic Movement Shinui Hetz
- Kadima and the unilateral disengagement plan
- Current parties Yesh Atid Kulanu and Hatnuah
- References
A long-time liberal, anti-clerical and pro-free market party was Shinui, a member of the Liberal International. Prior to that, conservative liberals (see General Zionists and Liberal Party), were founding members of the Likud, the country's main conservative party, since the late 1970s, while social liberals (see Progressive Party and Independent Liberals) were integrated in the social-democratic Labor Party in 1991. Current liberal (and liberal Zionist) parties are Yesh Atid, Kulanu and Hatnuah.
By contrast, Balad draws upon liberal values in its aim to eliminate discrimination against Arab citizens and redefine Israel as a state for all its citizens rather than a "Jewish and democratic state", but it is a secular party rather than a liberal one.