Kohelet Policy Forum
A prominent Israeli conservative-libertarian think tank that promotes free-market principles, judicial reform, and Israeli national sovereignty through policy research and legislative advocacy.
The Kohelet Policy Forum is a Jerusalem-based research institute that has become a central pillar of conservative thought in Israel. Founded to provide a professional intellectual foundation for right-of-center policy, the forum focuses on three primary pillars: individual liberty and free-market economics, the strengthening of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, and the restoration of balance between the branches of government.
In the realm of national security and sovereignty, the forum advocates for a 'security-first' approach that emphasizes Israeli self-reliance and skepticism toward international oversight mechanisms. This is reflected in their recent opposition to involving European powers like France and Italy in security arrangements on the Lebanese border. The forum argues that multinational forces, citing UNIFIL as a primary example, often fail to prevent—and sometimes inadvertently facilitate—the entrenchment of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.
Domestically, Kohelet has been a driving force behind significant legislative initiatives, most notably the Nation-State Law and the proposed judicial reforms of 2023. Their work often challenges the prevailing legal and economic status quo, advocating for deregulation and a more restrained judiciary. While the forum has faced intense scrutiny from political opponents, it remains a critical resource for policymakers seeking to align Israeli governance with conservative and Zionist principles. The Intelligence Desk monitors Kohelet's output as a leading indicator of right-wing policy shifts and strategic thinking regarding Israel's northern security architecture.