Likud
The Likud is Israel's primary right-wing national-liberal party, currently led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It serves as the anchor of the governing coalition, championing security-first policies, free-market economics, and Jewish national sovereignty.
The Likud remains the dominant force in Israeli politics, though it currently faces significant internal and external pressures. As the lead party in the governing coalition, it balances the demands of its Haredi and Religious Zionist partners while maintaining its traditional base of national-liberal voters. Historically, the party has been defined by the 'Iron Wall' security doctrine and a commitment to the Land of Israel, alongside a populist appeal that has made it the largest party for much of the last four decades.
In August 2026, the party is navigating a complex political landscape marked by polling erosion and intense internal friction regarding the upcoming primaries. A major point of contention emerged when the Likud's internal court ruled that sitting MKs and ministers may not run for district-specific slots unless they resign their current seats immediately. This ruling, seen as a setback for Prime Minister Netanyahu, prompted him to petition the Tel Aviv District Court to overturn the ban. Likud Legal Adviser Attorney Ilan Bombach has warned that the resulting uncertainty could lead to 'harmful chaos' and significant economic costs if not resolved quickly.
The party has also faced high-profile defections. In July 2026, veteran MK and former Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein announced his departure, citing an inability to justify the party's policy direction, specifically regarding the 'Basic Law: Torah Study' and equal burden-sharing in military service. This was followed in August by MK Dan Illouz, who joined Yisrael Beiteinu after breaking coalition discipline over similar draft-exemption issues.
Legislatively, the Likud continues to advance coalition priorities, including the controversial Torah Study law, which Haredi parties are reportedly leaning toward accepting in a declarative format. Despite these headwinds and a surge in popularity for opposition figures like Gadi Eisenkot, the Likud remains the central pillar of the Israeli right, maintaining its focus on national resilience and security-first governance in Judea and Samaria and beyond.