Likud Party Platform: Security, Economy, and Judicial Reform

The Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is a national-liberal right-wing party and a central force in Israel's right-wing bloc. Since its rise to power in 1977, Likud has held government positions for extended periods, with Netanyahu leading the party since 2005 and serving as Prime Minister for a cumulative 19 years. In the current political landscape, Likud emphasizes security, market economics, strengthening Israel's Jewish character, and Netanyahu's continued leadership.

On security, the party prioritizes military strength, deterrence, and combating Hamas, Iran, and regional threats. Netanyahu has stated the war aims include degrading Hamas's capabilities and preventing future threats from Gaza, while the return of hostages was described as a "maximum effort to resolve the issue of the captives" and ranked fourth or fifth in the war's objectives document. Economically, Likud advocates for a market economy, competition, reduced regulation, and opening the market to imports, with a historical focus on high-tech and foreign investment during Netanyahu's tenures.

Regarding military service and the burden of duty, Likud supports a gradual increase in the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF, but not immediate mandatory service for all. Their proposed plan includes rising conscription targets, adapted tracks, and sanctions for non-compliance, while also seeking to regulate the status of yeshiva students. Netanyahu called this initiative a "historic process" for integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into the IDF.

The party's stance on religion and state is influenced by its coalition partners, historically maintaining the status quo on issues like Shabbat observance, kashrut, and yeshiva student deferments. While not an ultra-Orthodox party, Likud has recently relied on partnerships with religious parties. On LGBTQ+ issues, Likud adopts a mixed liberal-traditional approach. Netanyahu has stated that a government led by him would not harm the community's rights and that the Jerusalem Pride Parade would continue, though the party has not supported civil unions and its members have previously voted against related legislation.

In education, Likud focuses on integrating technology and AI, developing workforce skills, financial education, and expanding advanced studies in high school, while also emphasizing Zionist and national values and increasing state oversight of educational content. Historically, Likud came to power in 1977 under Menachem Begin, overseeing the peace treaty with Egypt. Subsequent Likud prime ministers include Yitzhak Shamir, Ariel Sharon, and Benjamin Netanyahu, who signed the 2020 Abraham Accords. The current term, beginning in late 2022, has been largely defined by the aftermath of the October 7th events and the "Swords of Iron" war, with efforts to secure the release of hostages continuing.

Simultaneously, the Likud government has pursued a broad judicial reform since 2023. Proposed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the reform aimed to restore democracy, balance branches of government, and rebuild public trust. Key elements included changes to judicial selection, limiting judicial review, introducing an override clause, reducing the reasonableness standard, and altering the status of legal advisors. Some changes, like modifications to the judicial selection committee and the legal advisor's binding authority, have been advanced, while others, such as the annulment of the reasonableness standard and the override clause, have faced legal challenges or remain incomplete.