Israel is holding parliamentary elections this Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu running neck and neck with Benny Gantz, of the Blue and White Party. Whoever wins will have the challenge of putting together a coalition government in a country whose electoral system makes it very easy for small parties to gain representation in the Knesset. More than 40 political parties are competing in this week’s election, and in fact, more than 100 different political parties have been represented in the Knesset at some point in Israel’s history. This system has led to the establishment of many unusual political parties over the years. Which of the following was a real Israeli political party?
19172-Jerusalem by xiquinhosilva is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
A. HaMiflaga LeMilhama BeBankim, (The Party for the War Against Banks), which in 2006 advocated for laws making it easier for citizens to sue banks.
B. Nitzole HaSo’a’a Im Bogre Ale Yarok, (Holocaust Survivors with Green Leaf Veterans), a combined 2009 list of marijuana advocates and Holocaust survivors who want larger pensions. Their 2300 votes fell far short of the number needed to enter the Knesset.
C. The Lehem, or Bread, party (Lohame Hevra Me’uhadim), submitted a list in the 2006 elections, campaigning to represent the needy and homeless. They received fewer than 1500 votes.
D. Yibane, (Build It), a 2009 combined list of ultra-Orthodox Jews who advocated for the building of a third Temple in Jerusalem and a Sheldon Adelson-backed group who pushed for the building of a floating casino in the Dead Sea that would be accessible by boat both from Israel and Jordan.
E. Zehuyot HaGever BaMishpaha - Ra’ash, (Man Rights in the Family), advocated for equality for men in divorce proceedings in 2006. They did not attain any seats in the Knesset.