Liberalism in Israel


Liberalism has played a role in the political history of Israel since Israel's founding. Several liberal political parties have claimed substantial popular support, mainly proved by having representation in the Knesset. While liberalism is usually suspicious of nationalism, Jewish liberals in Israel generally support some form of Zionism.
A long-time liberal, anti-clerical and pro-free market party was Shinui, a member of the Liberal International. Prior to that, conservative liberals, were founding members of the Likud, the country's main conservative party, while social liberals were integrated in the social-democratic Labor Party. Current liberal parties are Yesh Atid, Hosen and Kulanu. Additionally, there is the libertarian Zehut.
By contrast, Balad draws upon liberal values in its aim to eliminate discrimination against Arab citizens and redefine Israel as a state for all its citizens rather than a "Jewish and democratic state", but it is a secular party rather than a liberal one.

Timeline

From General Zionists to Liberal Party