Likud
Party Platform
Economy:
"In three years, we have halved inflation, cut the budget to
the tune of NIS 8 billion, dramatically reduced the trade deficit,
privatized more than all previous governments put together, deregulated
the currency, attracted more foreign investments than ever, instituted
the 'computer for every child' project and a longer school day
in development towns and the minorities sector, and survived the
worldwide economic crisis- all without raising taxes," wrote Benjamin
Netanyahu.
"The economy is now poised to receive and integrate hundreds
of thousands of immigrants, to expand its high -tech industries
to the point of making Israel the second largest 'Silicon Valley'
in the world, and to begin real, large-scale growth," wrote Benjamin
Netanyahu.
"As in all major transitions, some painful side effects are inevitable.
In Israel it has taken the form of a two percent rise in unemployment…
Unemployment has been going down steadily - and I have no doubt
that if we continue our policies the number will reach an acceptable
level," wrote Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jerusalem:
"Jerusalem is the eternal, united capital of the State of Israel
and only of Israel. The government will flatly reject Palestinian
proposals to divide Jerusalem…The government firmly rejects attempts
…question Jerusalem's status as Israel's capital…"
"To ensure this, the government will continue the firm policies
it has adopted until now: No diplomatic activity will be permitted
at Orient House; The presence of the Israeli police in eastern
Jerusalem will be increased. This in addition to the new police
posts and reinforcements in the neighborhoods; The Likud government
will act with vigor to continue Jewish habitation and strengthen
Israeli sovereignty in the eastern parts of the city, while emphasizing
improvements in the welfare and security of the Arab residents."
Religion and State:
"We shall have to ease tensions between the secular and religious,
Arab and Jew, Diaspora Jews and Israelis. The intensity of these
tensions is often exaggerated, but they do exist. They should
be ameliorated through dialogue and compromise, not judicial coercion,
abrasive legislation and offensive rhetoric," wrote Benjamin Netanyahu.
Peace Process:
"The Likud will strengthen the existing peace agreements with
the Arab states and strive to achieve peace agreements with all
of Israel's neighbors with the aim of reaching a comprehensive
solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict."
"The Likud will seek to achieve peace and permanent borders in
the framework of peace treaties between Israel and its neighbors
and will seek cooperation with them on the practical level. The
peace agreements will include full diplomatic relations, borders
open to free movement, economic cooperation, and the establishment
of joint projects in the fields of science, technology, tourism,
and industry."
"The Arab states' desire for peace will be measured by their
efforts to prevent hostile activities by terrorist organizations
from their territory and to dismantle the infrastructure of the
organizations. This includes closing their headquarters and preventing
economic and Political warfare and all hostile acts during the
negotiations.
The Government of Israel will safeguard the state's vital interests
In the negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. Having Established
and meticulously adhered to the principle of reciprocity In the
negotiations and implementation of agreements, including the Wye
River Memorandum, the government will continue to condition Implementation
on the fulfillment of Palestinian commitments."
"The Palestinian Authority must wage a systematic war on the
terror organizations and their infrastructure. The PA must not
only intensify its efforts to prevent attacks, but act with determination
to prevent potential terrorist acts by dismantling the terrorist
infrastructure that has developed and expanded in PA areas since
the Oslo accords."
"Halting incitement against Israel in the Palestinian media,
educational system and all other Palestinian institutions, and
turning the Palestinian media and educational system from their
current anti-Israel mode to recognition of Israel and developing
peaceful and good neighborly relations between Jews and Arabs."
"The confiscation of illegal weapons held by Palestinian civilians
and the removal of weapons held by the PA forces in excess of
those permitted under the agreement to areas outside PA territory."
"The size of the PA police must be reduced to the level permitted
under the agreement."
"The Likud government will honor all the international agreements
Signed by its predecessors and strive to achieve a final status
Arrangement with the Palestinians. The only way to reach a final
Status arrangement is via dialogue and political negotiations.
The permanent status arrangement will minimize the security dangers
implicit in the Oslo accords. The primary such danger is the Presence
and the possible expansion of the Palestinian security Forces
within close range of Israel's population centers, government
offices, emergency warehouses and staging areas of the Israel
Defense Forces."
"The Government of Israel flatly rejects the establishment of
a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river."
"The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework
of Self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state. Thus,
for Example, in matters of foreign affairs, security, immigration
and Ecology, their activity shall be limited in accordance with
Imperatives of Israel's existence, security and national needs."
Lebanon:
"Based on the Likud-led government's proposal, the 10th Knesset
Passed the law to extend Israeli law, jurisdiction and Administration
over the Golan Heights, thus establishing Israeli Sovereignty
over the area. The government will continue to strengthen Jewish
settlement on the Golan."
"Israel will act to implement UN Security Council resolution
425 to withdraw the IDF from Lebanon while ensuring appropriate
security arrangements so as to defend its citizens in the north
of the country and guarantee the security of South Lebanese Army
members. Israel will refrain from rash steps that are likely to
move the Front line from southern Lebanon to the edge of the Galilee."
"Israel will continue to seek the renewal of peace negotiations
with Syria without preconditions."
Back to "Meet the Parties"
|