Likud

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

Ideological Positions

Palestinian-related Issues

No single approach to Palestinian statehood, settlers, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip dominates Likud thought. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon supports a Palestinian state and evacuation of some settlements. Uzi Landau, Limor Livnat, and Netanyahu are strongly opposed to Palestinian statehood. Most Likud members strongly support the Israeli settlements in the territories.

Related Topics:
West Bank - Gaza Strip - Prime Minister - Ariel Sharon - Uzi Landau - Limor Livnat - Israeli settlements

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Economy

The Likud claims to support free market capitalism, though in practice it has mostly adopted moderate economic policies, with neoliberal tendencies. The Likud, under the guidance of Finance minister Netanyahu, pushed through legislation reducing the VAT, income and corporate taxes significantly, as well as the customs duty. Likewise, it has instituted free-trade (especially with the EU and the US) and dismantled certain monopolies (Bezeq and the sea ports). Additionally, it has managed to privatize numerous government owned companies (Elal and Bank Leumi). The last Finance minister Netanyahu, the most ardent free-market minister to-date, argues that Israel's largest labor union, the Histadrut, has so much power as to paralyze the Israeli economy. He also claims that the main causes of unemployment are laziness and excessive benefits to the unemployed.

Related Topics:
Free market - Capitalism - Neoliberal - Finance minister - Netanyahu - VAT - Customs duty - Bezeq - Elal - Bank Leumi - Labor union - Histadrut

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Culture

The Likud promotes Jewish-oriented culture, emphasizing such nationalist themes as the flag and the heroism that won Israel's 1948 war with seven Arab states. It advocates teaching values and behavior codes in childhood education. Likud endorses press freedom, and promotion of private-sector media, which has grown markedly under governments Likud has led.

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