Likud, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is the historic party of the Israeli right. Likud stands for a strong Jewish national identity, a firm line on security and the growth of settlements in Judea and Samaria/West Bank.
On securityDetails No Gaza withdrawalLikud refuses any withdrawal from Gaza until is disarmed.
In short
Likud keeps the army in Gaza and in the security zone in southern Lebanon until the threat is gone. The war effort lasts longer and costs more, in exchange for security that Likud sees as stronger.
What Likud proposes
No withdrawal from Gaza before is fully disarmed, with verification.
Stay in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as threatens Israel.
Bring US military aid down to zero by 2038, by building an Israeli defense industry.
The death penalty for terrorists who commit deadly attacks, passed on March 30, 2026 (62 votes to 48).
Quote
“Israel does not accept the 15-point document.”
Benjamin Netanyahu, August 2026Traduit de l'anglais
On the judiciaryDetails Limit the Supreme CourtLikud wants to reduce the 's power to strike down laws passed by the Knesset.7Oct.Independent commission of inquiry?No: appointed by the Knesset
In short
Likud is pursuing the judicial reform launched in 2023. The government would have more room to carry out its program, with less oversight of its decisions. On October 7, Likud rejects an independent state commission of inquiry, whose members are chosen by the president of the . Likud wants a commission appointed by the Knesset.
What Likud proposes
Limit the Supreme Court's power to strike down laws passed by the Knesset.
An that would let the Knesset overrule a Supreme Court decision.
New bills on how judges are appointed and on the role of the .
On religionDetails Keep the religious status quoLikud keeps the : no and no public transportation on Shabbat.
In short
Likud keeps the current rules on religion in public life. Likud depends on the parties to govern, and the 2026 budget increases funding for religious institutions.
What Likud proposes
No .
No public transportation on Shabbat.
Continued funding for religious institutions.
Quote
“The status quo on matters of religion and state will be preserved.”
Likud coalition agreements, December 2022Traduit de l'anglais
On diplomacyDetails More Abraham AccordsLikud wants new agreements with Arab countries, without giving in on a Palestinian state.
In short
Likud wants normalization with Saudi Arabia, but refuses to pay for it with a Palestinian state. Likud relies on the United States and is wary of Europe.
What Likud proposes
Expand the to more countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Rely first on the alliance with the United States.
Israel should be able to launch a preemptive strike against a country or group that threatens it, even without the support of its allies.
Likud, through Benjamin Netanyahu, states that Israel will exercise its right to self-defense “whenever necessary” and will “finish the job alone” if needed. Benjamin Netanyahu launched the strikes on Iran in June 2025 and February 2026.
Netanyahu says Israel will strike Iran 'whenever necessary' after Trump's 'I call the shots' remark (The Hill) · Jun 8, 2026 · source ↗✕ Against
Israel should accept a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, even if Hamas is not fully disarmed.
Likud accepted the October 2025 ceasefire under the Trump plan, but Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates that the war will end only with the disarmament of Hamas. On October 13, 2026, he states that his plan for Gaza consists of “eliminating Hamas”.
Times of Israel, interview de Benjamin Netanyahou à Canal 14 · Oct 13, 2026 · source ↗
Faced with Iran’s nuclear program, which approach should Israel favor?
Its position: A military action against Iran’s nuclear sites
Likud prioritizes military action: Benjamin Netanyahu led the June 2025 strikes and Operation “Roaring Lion” in February 2026 against Iran's nuclear program. At the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026, he describes the attack on Iran as “one of the easiest decisions” he has made.
AP, discours de Benjamin Netanyahou à l'ONU · Sep 24, 2026 · source ↗
Sources : Fourchette calculée à partir de 4 instituts entre le 16 et le 19 octobre 2026. N12/Midgam, Maariv/Lazar Research, N13 et Kan 11/Kantar. Le détail complet par institut est disponible dans l'encart sondages de la fiche.
Likud, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, is the historic party of the Israeli right. Likud stands for a strong Jewish national identity, a firm line on security and the growth of settlements in Judea and Samaria/West Bank.
Before you vote
What you need to know about this party’s positions before voting
Voting Likud means voting for continuity: no break is announced with the policies pursued since December 2022, whether on the war, the judiciary, or religion.
On security
No withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas is disarmed, prolonging the war effort and its human and budgetary cost, in exchange for a level of security deemed more robust than a rapid withdrawal would provide.
Maintaining the military presence in the security zone in southern Lebanon until the Hezbollah threat has ended, as well as a goal, within the framework of discussions due to begin with Washington, of reducing current US military aid (approximately $38 billion over the 2019-2028 period) to zero by 2038, with the Israeli defense budget (144 billion shekels, 177 billion requested) expected to make up the shortfall.
On institutions and the judiciary
A reduction in the Supreme Court's power to strike down laws passed by the governing coalition, giving the government more latitude to implement its program, at the cost of reduced oversight of the governing coalition's actions.
A commission of inquiry into October 7 whose members are selected by the coalition rather than by an independent body.
The introduction, approved on March 30, 2026 (62 votes to 48), of a mandatory death penalty (apart from a judicial exception limited to “special circumstances”) for perpetrators of fatal terrorist attacks, with no right of appeal and execution within 90 days. In practice, this law applies only to Palestinians tried by military courts.
On economic and social issues
An income tax cut included in the budget, with no announced structural reform addressing the cost of living.
Maintaining the religious status quo (no civil marriage, transport halted on Shabbat) and the status quo on LGBT rights (no same-sex civil unions), in a context of coalition dependence on Haredi parties to govern.
On diplomacy
The absolute refusal to recognize a Palestinian state is maintained. An expansion of the Abraham Accords to other countries in the region is sought, but without any concession on this refusal, which could exclude Saudi Arabia, whose own accession is conditional on progress on the Palestinian issue.
The government displays strong closeness to the United States, presented as a partner at the forefront of the free world, and distrust toward Europe, seen as losing its bearings regarding its own values, while accepting occasional tensions with Washington, particularly over the conduct of unilateral military operations, in pursuit of long-term strategic autonomy.
Key positions
Security & National Defense
Likud, through Benjamin Netanyahu, states that Israel will exercise its right to self-defense “whenever necessary” and will “finish the job alone” if needed. Benjamin Netanyahu launched the strikes on Iran in June 2025 and February 2026.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Likud rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. On October 13, 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu declares that such a state will not come into being as long as he remains in power and accuses his opponents of wanting to create it.
Territories & Settlements
Likud supports settlement expansion: Benjamin Netanyahu signed the E1 plan near Ma’ale Adumim and promises to keep establishing communities in Judea and Samaria/the West Bank despite international pressure.
Democracy & Institutions
Likud rejects a appointed by the President of the . Benjamin Netanyahu considers the judicial system biased, and Likud MK Ariel Kallner sponsored a law creating a commission appointed in equal parts by the and the opposition.
Israel’s Jewish & Democratic Identity
In 2026, Likud is campaigning against a government that would depend on the Arab parties and has asked for Ra’am and the Joint List to be barred from the elections. Yet in 2021 Likud had considered support from Ra’am, which Benjamin Netanyahu refused in the form of a partnership.
Foreign Policy
Likud, through Benjamin Netanyahu, wants to bring US military aid down to zero within about ten years, starting now.
History
Founded in 1973 as an electoral alliance of several right-wing parties (including Menahem Begin's Herut), Likud subsequently unified into a single party. It first came to power in 1977, ending nearly thirty years of uninterrupted Labor dominance. This shift marked a major turning point in Israeli political history. Since then, Likud has remained the main force on the Israeli right. Likud and New Hope (Gideon Sa'ar) signed a merger agreement in March 2025, approved by Likud's central committee in August 2025; however, the actual dissolution of New Hope into Likud only takes effect at the 2026 elections. Its internal primaries concluded on August 17, 2026 (76,068 members voted, a turnout of 53.5%; Eli Cohen won the top elected slot with more than 46,000 votes). The central committee gave Netanyahu the power to appoint candidates to eight of the top thirty slots (3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, 29).
Current platform
✓The party advocates a firm security policy: prioritizing deterrence, requiring the “genuine and not fictitious” disarmament of Hamas before any withdrawal from Gaza, and rejecting Trump's Board of Peace's 15-point plan until that disarmament is verified.
✓It maintains indefinite Israeli security control over all territory west of the Jordan River (Gaza and the West Bank) and rejects any involvement by the Palestinian Authority in the administration of Gaza.
✓It firmly opposes a Palestinian state and any unilateral recognition, even at the expense of relations with Saudi Arabia.
✓It continues settlement expansion in the West Bank and applies de facto sovereignty in Area C.
✓It continues the judicial reform: limiting the Supreme Court's power, an override clause, and a commission of inquiry into October 7 controlled by the coalition rather than independent.
✓It declares a goal of military independence from the United States by 2038, while in practice maintaining close coordination with Washington.
✓It included an income tax cut in the 2026 budget.
✓It maintains the religious status quo (civil marriage, transport on Shabbat) and included hundreds of millions of shekels for religious/Haredi institutions in the 2026 budget.
✓On March 30, 2026, it secured the passage of a law (62 votes to 48) introducing a mandatory death penalty for perpetrators of fatal terrorist attacks. In practice, this law applies only to Palestinians tried by military courts.
Promises and record
Netanyahu has been in power almost continuously since 2009 (with an interruption in 2021-2022) and currently since December 2022; he has served a cumulative total of nearly 19 years as head of government.
Netanyahu led the military campaign against Iran in 2026 and secured the passage of the 2026 budget, the largest in Israel's history, with a record defense budget (approximately $45.8 billion) financed by cuts to civilian budgets.
On Haredi conscription, there is a notable gap between promise and implementation: the coalition's law supported by Netanyahu is presented as increasing enlistment, but according to the IDF General Staff and the attorney general, it in practice maintains the status quo of exemptions for full-time yeshiva students.
Netanyahu championed the “Nation-State” Basic Law (2018), still in force, which notably downgraded Arabic from its status as an official language.
Netanyahu spearheaded the law prohibiting all contact with UNRWA on Israeli territory (2024).
Netanyahu led the judicial reform of 2023, continued in 2025-2026.
Candidate list (39)
7 women32 men
Documented positions
Security & National Defense4 positions+
Faced with Iran’s nuclear program, which approach should Israel favor?
Likud prioritizes military action: Benjamin Netanyahu led the June 2025 strikes and Operation “Roaring Lion” in February 2026 against Iran's nuclear program. At the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026, he describes the attack on Iran as “one of the easiest decisions” he has made.
Israel should be able to launch a preemptive strike against a country or group that threatens it, even without the support of its allies.
Likud, through Benjamin Netanyahu, states that Israel will exercise its right to self-defense “whenever necessary” and will “finish the job alone” if needed. Benjamin Netanyahu launched the strikes on Iran in June 2025 and February 2026.
Israel should accept a long-term ceasefire in Gaza, even if Hamas is not fully disarmed.
Likud accepted the October 2025 ceasefire under the Trump plan, but Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates that the war will end only with the disarmament of Hamas. On October 13, 2026, he states that his plan for Gaza consists of “eliminating Hamas”.
Israel should apply the to people convicted of deadly attacks.
Likud voted for the March 30, 2026 law on the death penalty for terrorists. Benjamin Netanyahu obtained a provision allowing judges to hand down life imprisonment instead.
Likud wants Israel to keep security control in Gaza, with no role for Hamas or the Palestinian Authority and a non-hostile civilian administration. Benjamin Netanyahu nevertheless accepted the Trump plan (Board of Peace, Palestinian technocratic committee) while disputing its composition, which places him slightly short of this option.
To reach an agreement with the Palestinians, Israel should be ready to give up part of Judea and Samaria/West Bank.
Likud refuses to give up territory in Judea and Samaria/the West Bank: Benjamin Netanyahu declares that “this place belongs to us” and that no territory will be given up.
Israel should let more humanitarian aid into Gaza, even if part of it risks being diverted by Hamas.
Likud accepts “basic” humanitarian aid to prevent famine and keep the support of allies, but Benjamin Netanyahu insists on controlled distribution mechanisms so that Hamas cannot seize it.
Israel should accept the creation of a Palestinian state as part of a peace agreement.
Likud rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. On October 13, 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu declares that such a state will not come into being as long as he remains in power and accuses his opponents of wanting to create it.
Existing settlements in Judea and Samaria/West Bank should be able to expand.
Likud supports settlement expansion: Benjamin Netanyahu signed the E1 plan near Ma’ale Adumim and promises to keep establishing communities in Judea and Samaria/the West Bank despite international pressure.
On which part of Judea and Samaria/West Bank should Israel apply its sovereignty?
In 2017 Likud voted for sovereignty over the settlements, and in 2020 Benjamin Netanyahu promoted a plan for sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the settlements. In October 2025, Likud boycotted the sovereignty bills, arguing that sovereignty should move forward with the government and in agreement with the United States.
What should Israel do about military service for yeshiva students?
The bill sponsored by Boaz Bismuth (Likud), revived by Benjamin Netanyahu in March 2026, sets annual Haredi recruitment targets with gradual sanctions, but without an equal obligation for all and with a margin of tolerance, which places it slightly short of this option.
Israel should allow civil marriage, in addition to religious marriage.
Inferred position: Likud defends the between religion and state and governs with the Haredi parties, which in practice rules out civil marriage. No recent Likud statement on this specific issue was found.
Public transport should operate on Shabbat where local residents want it.
Inferred position: Likud supports the religious status quo, which bans public transport on Shabbat, and governs with the Haredi parties. No recent Likud statement on this specific issue was found.
The state should keep funding religious institutions and services the way it does today.
Inferred position: Likud defends the religious status quo, and its governments have maintained funding for religious institutions. No recent Likud statement on this specific issue was found.
Should the Supreme Court be able to strike down a law passed by the ?
Likud wants to limit the Supreme Court's power to strike down laws: Yariv Levin's plan provides that a law may be struck down only by a large majority of judges and that the Knesset may reinstate it with 61 votes (override clause). On October 13, 2026, Benjamin Netanyahu denounces a “dictatorship of the judicial system.”
The October 7 inquiry should be entrusted to a state commission of inquiry, whose members are appointed by the Supreme Court president, rather than to a commission whose members are chosen by the Knesset.
Likud rejects a state commission of inquiry appointed by the President of the Supreme Court. Benjamin Netanyahu considers the judicial system biased, and Likud MK Ariel Kallner sponsored a law creating a commission appointed in equal parts by the coalition and the opposition.
An Arab party should be able to be part of a governing coalition.
In 2026, Likud is campaigning against a government that would depend on the Arab parties and has asked for Ra’am and the Joint List to be barred from the elections. Yet in 2021 Likud had considered support from Ra’am, which Benjamin Netanyahu refused in the form of a partnership.
The state should lower taxes, even if this means cutting some public spending.
Inferred position: Likud supports a free-market line and lower public spending. Its government nevertheless raised VAT in 2025 to finance the war. No recent Likud statement on this specific issue was found.
What would be the best way to lower prices in Israel?
Likud, through Economy Minister Nir Barkat, promoted the “What’s good for Europe is good for Israel” reform, which makes imports easier, as well as a “monopoly dismantling bill”. Its position lies between opening up imports and fighting monopolies.
Israel should create a civil union open to same-sex couples, with the same rights as married couples.
Likud voted against the civil union bill for same-sex couples in 2018 under coalition discipline, even though some of its MKs said they supported it and the party has an LGBT wing.
Publicly funded services should be allowed to offer separate spaces for men and women when a community asks for it.
In its coalition agreements with United Torah Judaism (2019 and then 2022), Likud agreed to legalize gender-segregated public events and services, while saying it wanted to soften these demands.
The time a Prime Minister can stay in power should be limited by law, for example to eight years.
Likud opposes limiting a Prime Minister’s time in office: in 2021 Likud called the bill “clearly anti-democratic”, and Benjamin Netanyahu argued that it is up to the public to choose its leaders.
Haredi schools that receive state money should be required to teach core subjects (math, English, science), like other schools.
In the 2022 coalition agreement, Likud committed to preserving the independence and budget of Haredi schools and to extending the exemption from core subjects (English, mathematics) for some institutions.
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