Likud

Likud or ליכוד literally means 'consolidation'. The Likud is a right-wing Israeli political party.

Current Status

Likud originally enjoyed great support from blue-collar Sephardim who felt discriminated against by the ruling Mapai (Labour) party. To this day the Likud's strong support base remains amongst Sephardim and kippah sruga (middle-of-the-road) Orthodox.

Related Topics:
Sephardim - Labour - Kippah sruga

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Likud holds 40 seats (out of 120) in the 16th Knesset.

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Ariel Sharon's shift to a more centrist position on political issues, especially expressed in his Disengagement Plan, has alienated him from many Likud supporters and effectively fragmented the party. He faced two challenges: in March 2005, Netanyahu and himself proposed a budget plan, which met fierce opposition and threatened to collapse the government. It was approved in the end. In September 2005, Likud held a vote to determine if early elections would be held. Sharon won by a narrow margin (51% as opposed to Netanyahu's 48%), and thus eliminated the threat of early elections.

Related Topics:
Ariel Sharon - Disengagement Plan

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