Likud's Enduring Influence: A Deep Dive into Israel's Dominant Right-Wing Party

The Likud party, Israel's principal right-wing political force, has consistently shaped the nation's domestic and foreign policy since its founding in 1973. Despite its significant role in a key U.S. ally, a recent social media post by user Kumar highlighted a perceived lack of awareness among Americans, stating, "Americans still don't know the word Likud. That has to change." This sentiment underscores the importance of understanding the party's history, ideology, and impact on regional dynamics.

Founded by Menachem Begin, Likud emerged as a challenge to the long-dominant Labor Party, achieving its first electoral victory in 1977. Ideologically, Likud is characterized by national conservatism, economic liberalism, and Zionism, advocating for a strong military and emphasizing national security. Key leaders like Begin, Yitzhak Shamir, Ariel Sharon, and most notably Benjamin Netanyahu, have steered the party through decades of Israeli governance.

A core tenet of Likud's platform has historically been its stance on the territories captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. The party's original 1977 platform asserted that "between the Sea and the Jordan there will only be Israeli sovereignty," rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state. While Benjamin Netanyahu has, at times, offered conditional endorsements of a two-state solution, the party's official position, as reiterated by its Central Committee, remains largely opposed to a fully independent Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.

This position often places Likud-led governments at odds with international consensus, including that of the United States, which has long supported a two-state solution. The party's commitment to expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank further complicates peace efforts and has been a recurring point of contention in U.S.-Israel relations. Reports indicate that the Likud's influence, particularly through its allies in Washington, has contributed to a "Greater Israel" vision, impacting U.S. foreign policy.

The party's consistent dominance, with Netanyahu serving as prime minister for over 15 years across multiple terms, reflects a broader rightward shift in Israeli politics. This trend, bolstered by demographic changes and security concerns, has solidified Likud's control and its ability to form coalitions with other right-wing and religious parties. Understanding Likud's deep-rooted principles and its significant electoral success is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader Middle East.