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==History== ===Formation and leadership of Begin=== The Likud was formed on 13 September 1973 as a [[secular]] party<ref name="Israelin3">{{cite book |title=Israel in the Middle East: Documents and Readings on Society, Politics, and Foreign Relations, Pre-1948 to the Present |publisher=Brandeis University Press |year=2008 |editor-first=Itamar |editor-last=Rabinovich |page=462 |editor2-first=Jehuda |editor2-last=Reinharz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1973-09-14 |script-title=he:אמנת הליכוד נחתמה סופית |url=https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1973/09/14/01/article/45 |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=[[National Library of Israel]] |language=he |archive-date=17 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017225833/https://www.nli.org.il/he/newspapers/dav/1973/09/14/01/article/45 |url-status=live }}</ref> by an alliance of several right-wing parties prior to that year's [[1973 Israeli legislative election|legislative election]]—[[Herut]], the [[Liberal Party (Israel)|Liberal Party]], the [[Free Centre]], the [[National List]], and the [[Movement for Greater Israel]]. Herut had been the nation's largest right-wing party since growing out of the [[Irgun]] in 1948. It had already been in coalition with the Liberals since 1965 as [[Gahal]], with Herut as the senior partner. Herut remained the senior partner in the new grouping, which was given the name Likud, meaning "Consolidation", as it represented the consolidation of the Israeli right.<ref>{{cite web |title=Likud |url=https://www.knesset.gov.il/faction/eng/FactionPage_eng.asp?PG=13 |access-date=2011-02-12 |publisher=Knesset |archive-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604114829/http://www.knesset.gov.il/faction/eng/FactionPage_eng.asp?PG=13 |url-status=live }}</ref> It worked as a coalition under Herut's leadership until 1988, when the member parties merged into a single party under the Likud name.<ref>{{Cite web |title=הליכוד |url=https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/parties/likud/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=[[Israel Democracy Institute]] |language=he |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028225113/https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/parties/likud/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From its establishment in 1973, Likud enjoyed great support from blue-collar [[Sephardim]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Peled |first=Yoav |date=2001 |title=Roar of the Lion: Shas and the Challenge to Israeli Identity |journal=Israel Studies Bulletin |volume=16 |issue=2 |page=9 |jstor=41805449 |issn=1065-7711 }}</ref> In its first election Likud won 39 seats, reducing the Alignment's lead to 12.<ref name=":12">{{cite web |last1=Kaufman |first1=Karen |date=28 March 2019 |title=The Parties in Israel's 2019 Parliamentary Election |url=https://institute.global/advisory/parties-israels-2019-parliamentary-election |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807223608/https://institute.global/advisory/parties-israels-2019-parliamentary-election |archive-date=2020-08-07 |website=[[Tony Blair Institute for Global Change]] |quote=Likud was founded as a secular, centre-right party.}}</ref> The party went on to win the [[1977 Israeli legislative election|1977 election]] with 43 seats, finishing 11 seats ahead of the Alignment. [[Menachem Begin]] formed [[Eighteenth government of Israel|a government]] with the support of the religious parties, consigning the left wing to opposition for the first time since independence.<ref name=":22">{{cite web |first=Benjamin |last=Kerstein |date=10 April 2019 |title=Israeli Elections Results: Likud Tied With Blue and White, But Right-Wing Bloc Remains Larger, Handing Netanyahu the Victory |url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/04/10/israeli-elections-results-likud-tied-with-blue-and-white-but-right-wing-bloc-remains-larger-handing-netanyahu-the-victory/ |access-date=24 September 2019 |work=[[Algemeiner Journal]] |archive-date=25 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925042514/https://www.algemeiner.com/2019/04/10/israeli-elections-results-likud-tied-with-blue-and-white-but-right-wing-bloc-remains-larger-handing-netanyahu-the-victory/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A former leader of the hard-line paramilitary [[Irgun]],<ref name="haaretz7jul112">{{cite news |last=Oren |first=Amir |date=7 July 2011 |title=British Documents Reveal: Begin Refused Entry to U.K. in 1950s |newspaper=Haaretz |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/british-documents-reveal-begin-refused-entry-to-u-k-in-1950s-1.371838 |access-date=25 November 2022 |archive-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127032220/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/british-documents-reveal-begin-refused-entry-to-u-k-in-1950s-1.371838 |url-status=live }}</ref> Begin signed the 1978 [[Camp David Accords]]<ref name="TEXTOFACCORDS2">[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace%20Process/Guide%20to%20the%20Peace%20Process/Camp%20David%20Accords "Camp David Accords"]. Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903011255/http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace%20Process/Guide%20to%20the%20Peace%20Process/Camp%20David%20Accords|date=3 September 2011}}</ref> and the 1979 [[Egypt–Israel peace treaty]].<ref name="AccTxt2">{{cite web |date=17 September 1978 |title=Israel and Egypt: Framework for peace in the Middle East agreed at Camp David |url=https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/EG%20IL_780917_Framework%20for%20peace%20in%20the%20MiddleEast%20agreed%20at%20Camp%20David.pdf |series=United Nations Treaty Series |website=UN Peacemaker |access-date=25 November 2022 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407030223/https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/EG%20IL_780917_Framework%20for%20peace%20in%20the%20MiddleEast%20agreed%20at%20Camp%20David.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[1981 Israeli legislative election|1981 election]], the Likud won 48 seats, but formed a [[Nineteenth government of Israel|narrower government]] than in 1977.<ref name=":32">{{cite web |title=Likudnik |url=http://www.morfix.co.il/%D7%9C%D6%B4%D7%9B%D6%BC%D7%95%D6%BC%D7%93%D6%B0%D7%A0%D6%B4%D7%99%D7%A7 |access-date=25 April 2010 |publisher=Milon Morfix |archive-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017073629/http://www.morfix.co.il/%D7%9C%D6%B4%D7%9B%D6%BC%D7%95%D6%BC%D7%93%D6%B0%D7%A0%D6%B4%D7%99%D7%A7 |url-status=live }}</ref> Likud has long been a loose alliance between politicians committed to different and sometimes opposing policy preferences and ideologies.<ref name="Hirschl3">{{cite book |first=Ran |last=Hirschl |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sv0nvGmUQHkC&pg=PA57 |title=Towards Juristocracy: The Origins and Consequences of the New Constitutionalism |publisher=Harvard University Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-674-03867-7 |pages=57, 58}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first=Yaffa |last=Moskovich |year=2009 |title=Authoritarian Management Style in the Likud Party Under the Leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu |url=http://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/ijls/new/vol4iss2/IJLS_Volume4_Issue2_2009.pdf |journal=International Journal of Leadership Studies |volume=4 |issue=2 |page=152 |access-date=30 June 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924085613/http://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/ijls/new/vol4iss2/IJLS_Volume4_Issue2_2009.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The 1981 election highlighted divisions that existed between the populist wing of Likud, headed by [[David Levy (Israeli politician)|David Levy]] of Herut, and the Liberal wing,<ref>{{cite book |first=Robert Owen |last=Freedman |title=Israel in the Begin Era |publisher=Praeger |page=25 |quote=These divisions were especially underscored in the 1981 elections. During the Likud's first period in power there was a continuous conflict between the populist wing of the Likud, headed by David Levi of Herut, and the Liberal wing, along with... |author-link=Robert Freedman (political scientist)}}</ref> who represented a policy agenda of the secular bourgeoisie.<ref name="Hirschl3" /> ===Shamir and Netanyahu's first term=== [[File:Menachem Begin, Andrews AFB, 1978.JPG|thumb|180px|Likud founder [[Menachem Begin]]]] On 28 August 1983 Begin announced his intention to resign as [[Prime Minister of Israel|prime minister]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hart |first1=William |date=29 August 1983 |title=Jewish leaders cite many factors leading to Begin's resignation |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/97836595 |url-access=subscription |access-date=15 February 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |language=en |archive-date=16 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216005358/http://www.newspapers.com/image/97836595/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was replaced by [[Yitzhak Shamir]], a former commander of the [[Lehi (militant group)|Lehi]] underground, who defeated [[Deputy prime minister of Israel|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[David Levy (Israeli politician)|David Levy]] in a [[1983 Herut leadership election|leadership election]] held by Herut's central committee.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shipler |first=David K. |date=1983-09-03 |title=Shamir Wins the Backing of Factions in the Coalition |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/03/world/shamir-wins-the-backing-of-factions-in-the-coalition.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103004142/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/03/world/shamir-wins-the-backing-of-factions-in-the-coalition.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brinkley |first=Joel |date=2012-06-30 |title=Yitzhak Shamir, Former Israeli Prime Minister, Dies at 96 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/world/middleeast/yitzhak-shamir-former-prime-minister-of-israel-dies-at-96.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103004143/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/01/world/middleeast/yitzhak-shamir-former-prime-minister-of-israel-dies-at-96.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shamir was seen as a hard-liner, who opposed the Camp David accords and [[Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon|Israel's withdrawal from Southern Lebanon]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Friedman |first1=Thomas L. |date=1986-10-21 |title=Man in the News; Israel's Other Half: Yitzhak Shamir |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/21/world/man-in-the-news-israel-s-other-half-yitzhak-shamir.html |access-date=2022-11-03 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103004145/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/21/world/man-in-the-news-israel-s-other-half-yitzhak-shamir.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The party won 41 seats in the [[1984 Israeli legislative election|1984 election]], less than the Alignment's 44. The Alignment was unable to form a government on its own, leading to the formation of a [[rotation government]], led jointly by the Alignment and Likud. [[Shimon Peres]] became the prime minister, with Shamir becoming the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel)|foreign minister]].<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=he:בחירות 1984 |url=https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/1984/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=[[Israel Democracy Institute]] |language=he |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125132109/https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/1984/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 1986, the two switched posts.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=1986-10-21 |title=Shamir cabinet sworn in, according to rotation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/21/world/shamir-cabinet-sworn-in-according-to-rotation.html |access-date=2022-11-05 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105014411/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/21/world/shamir-cabinet-sworn-in-according-to-rotation.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Likud won the [[1988 Israeli legislative election|1988 election]], defeating the Alignment by a one-seat Margin. The two parties formed [[Twenty-third government of Israel|another government]], in which Shamir served as prime minister without a rotation.<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=he:בחירות 1988 |url=https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/1988/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=[[Israel Democracy Institute]] |language=he |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125003826/https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/1988/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1990 Peres withdrew from the government and led a successful [[vote of no confidence]] against it,<ref name="cabinetis2">{{Cite news |last=Brinkley |first=Joel |date=1990-03-16 |title=Cabinet Is Ousted In Israeli Dispute Over Peace Talks |work=The New York Times |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE1DB1F39F935A25750C0A966958260&scp=216&sq=peres+shamir&st=nyt |access-date=2008-06-12 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128105248/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/16/world/cabinet-is-ousted-in-israeli-dispute-over-peace-talks.html?scp=216&sq=peres+shamir&st=nyt |url-status=live }}</ref> in what became known as [[the dirty trick]]. Shamir formed [[Twenty-fourth government of Israel|a new government]] with right-wing parties, which served until the [[1992 Israeli legislative election|1992 election]], in which the Likud was defeated by [[Yitzhak Rabin]]'s [[Israeli Labor Party|Labor Party]].<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=he:בחירות 1992 |url=https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/1992/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=[[Israel Democracy Institute]] |language=he |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124114522/https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/1992/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shamir stepped down as Likud leader after losing the election in March 1993.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-06-30 |title=Obituary: former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18661360 |access-date=2022-11-06 |archive-date=6 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706163856/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18661360 |url-status=live }}</ref> To replace him, the party held its [[1993 Likud leadership election|first primary election]],<ref name="AP25mar2">{{cite news |last1=LaBelle |first1=G. G. |date=25 Mar 1993 |title=Israel's Likud set to pick new leader |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/159303168 |url-access=subscription |access-date=8 July 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |newspaper=The News Journal |location=Wilmington, Delaware |language=en |agency=The Associated Press |archive-date=4 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104070653/https://www.newspapers.com/image/159303168 |url-status=live }}</ref> in which former [[Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations|United Nations Ambassador]] [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Knesset Member Benjamin Netanyahu |url=https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/MK/APPS/mk/mk-public-activity-publications/90 |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=[[Knesset]] |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106001718/https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/MK/APPS/mk/mk-public-activity-publications/90 |url-status=live }}</ref> defeated [[David Levy (Israeli politician)|David Levy]], [[Benny Begin]] and [[Moshe Katsav]], becoming the [[Leader of the Opposition (Israel)|Leader of the Opposition]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haberman |first=Clyde |date=1993-03-26 |title=Israel's Likud Passes Torch, Naming Netanyahu Leader |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/26/world/israel-s-likud-passes-torch-naming-netanyahu-leader.html |access-date=2022-11-06 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106001719/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/26/world/israel-s-likud-passes-torch-naming-netanyahu-leader.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1995, following the [[assassination of Yitzhak Rabin]], Shimon Peres, his temporary successor, decided to call early elections in order to give the government a mandate to advance the peace process.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kessel |first=Jerrold |date=11 February 1996 |title=Israeli elections will test support for peace |publisher=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9602/israel_elex/02-11/index.html |access-date=10 March 2013 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005003749/http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9602/israel_elex/02-11/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[1996 Israeli general election|election]] was held in May 1996, and included a direct vote for the prime minister in which Netanyahu narrowly defeated Peres, becoming the new prime minister.<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=he:ראש הממשלה נתניהו. זוכרים? |url=http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART/977/618.html |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=Maariv nrg |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026044634/http://www.nrg.co.il/online/1/ART/977/618.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Image:Likud-Tzomet.png|right|thumb|Logo of the Likud-Tzomet List from the [[1996 Israeli legislative election|1996 election]]]] In 1998 Netanyahu agreed to cede territory in the [[Wye River Memorandum]], which led some Likud MKs, led by [[Benny Begin]] (Menachem Begin's son), [[Michael Kleiner]] and [[David Re'em]], to break away and form a new party, named [[Herut – The National Movement]]. The new party was endorsed by Yitzhak Shamir, who expressed disappointment in Netanyahu's leadership.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=1999-03-25 |title=Shamir, Opposing Netanyahu, Takes Further Turn to Right |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/25/world/shamir-opposing-netanyahu-takes-further-turn-to-right.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219162202/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/25/world/shamir-opposing-netanyahu-takes-further-turn-to-right.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-07-20 |title=Kleiner Promoting Alternative to 'Disengagement' in the US |url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/66029 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=Israel National News |language=en |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219162221/https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/66029 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the withdrawal of his remaining partners, Netanyahu's coalition collapsed in December 1998, resulting in the [[1999 Israeli legislative election|1999 election]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Tracy |date=1998-12-22 |title=Lawmakers in Israel Dissolve Parliament |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-dec-22-mn-56594-story.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219162202/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-dec-22-mn-56594-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> where Labor's [[Ehud Barak]] defeated Netanyahu on a platform promoting the settlement of final status issues. Following his defeat, Netanyahu stepped down as leader of Likud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laub |first=Karin |date=1999-05-18 |title=Barak Defeats Netanyahu in Israel |url=https://apnews.com/article/fbb2f0be79d018e91baf571c26d8f71e |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219162206/https://apnews.com/article/fbb2f0be79d018e91baf571c26d8f71e |url-status=live }}</ref> That September, former [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Defense Minister]] [[Ariel Sharon]] won a [[September 1999 Likud leadership election|leadership election]] to replace Netanyahu, defeating Jerusalem Mayor [[Ehud Olmert]] and former [[Ministry of Finance (Israel)|Finance Minister]] [[Meir Sheetrit]].<ref name="Kenig">{{cite journal |last1=Kenig |first1=Ofer |title=Democratizing Party Leadership Selection in Israel: A Balance Sheet |journal=Israel Studies Forum |date=2009 |volume=24 |issue=1 |pages=62–81 |jstor=41805011 |issn=1557-2455}}</ref><ref name="Lavie">{{cite news |last1=Lavie |first1=Mark |date=September 3, 1999 |title=Ariel Sharon wins control of Likud party in Israel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/179167902 |url-access=subscription |access-date=5 November 2022 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |language=en |via=Newspapers.com |agency=The Associated Press |archive-date=5 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105181551/https://www.newspapers.com/image/179167902 |url-status=live }}</ref> Barak's government collapsed in December 2000,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bar-Gefen |first=Linoy |date=2000-12-10 |script-title=he:ברק הגיש בצהריים את התפטרותו |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-326048,00.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=ynet |language=he |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219162202/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-326048,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> several months after the [[2000 Camp David Summit|Camp David Summit]] ended without an agreement,<ref name="tri">{{cite web |date=25 July 2000 |title=Trilateral Statement on the Middle East Peace Summit at Camp David |url=http://2001-2009.state.gov/p/nea/rls/22698.htm |publisher=US Department of State |access-date=7 March 2023 |archive-date=24 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024002324/http://2001-2009.state.gov/p/nea/rls/22698.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[2001 Israeli prime ministerial election|early elections for Prime Minister]] were called for February 2001, in which Sharon decisively defeated Barak.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sontag |first=Deborah |date=2001-02-07 |title=The Sharon Victory: The Overview; Sharon Easily Ousts Barak To Become Israel's Premier; Calls For A Reconciliation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/07/world/sharon-victory-overview-sharon-easily-ousts-barak-become-israel-s-premier-calls.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120215448/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/07/world/sharon-victory-overview-sharon-easily-ousts-barak-become-israel-s-premier-calls.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002 Netanyahu challenged Sharon in a [[2002 Likud leadership election|leadership election]], but was defeated.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 November 2002 |title=Sharon Beats Netanyahu in Likud Primary |publisher=Fox News Channel |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/sharon-beats-netanyahu-in-likud-primary |access-date=29 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828161003/http://foxnews.com/story/0,2933,71685,00.html |archive-date=28 August 2008}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|reason=There is consensus that Fox News is an [[WP:RS/P|unreliable source]] for the reporting of politics|date=October 2023}} During Sharon's tenure, Likud faced an internal split due to Sharon's policy of [[Ariel Sharon's unilateral disengagement plan|unilateral disengagement]] from Gaza and parts of the West Bank, which proved extremely divisive within the party.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-09-05 |title=Early Election Likely To Follow Gaza Pullout |url=https://www.forbes.com/2005/09/05/sharon-netanyahu-likud-cx_0905_oxan_likud.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219162203/https://www.forbes.com/2005/09/05/sharon-netanyahu-likud-cx_0905_oxan_likud.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Sharon and Kadima split=== Sharon's [[Israel's unilateral disengagement plan of 2004|Disengagement Plan]] alienated him from some Likud supporters and fragmented the party.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Myre |first=Greg |date=2004-05-28 |title=Facing Opposition, Sharon Plans Debate on Full Withdrawal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/28/international/middleeast/facing-opposition-sharon-plans-debate-on-full.html |access-date=2023-02-19 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219225702/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/28/international/middleeast/facing-opposition-sharon-plans-debate-on-full.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He faced several serious challenges to his authority shortly before his departure. The first was in March 2005, when he and Netanyahu, then his finance minister, proposed a budget plan that met fierce opposition from the opposition and parties to the Likud's right. The plan passed the Knesset's finance committee by a one-vote margin,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-03-25 |title=Sharon budget clears first hurdle |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2005/3/23/sharon-budget-clears-first-hurdle |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Al-Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232116/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2005/3/23/sharon-budget-clears-first-hurdle |url-status=live }}</ref> before being approved by the Knesset by a wider margin later that month.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2005-03-29 |script-title=he:הכנסת אישרה את תקציב המדינה לשנת 2005 |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3065290,00.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232145/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3065290,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The second was in September 2005, when Sharon's critics in the Likud, led by Netanyahu, forced a vote in the Likud's central committee on a proposal for an early leadership election, which was defeated by 52% to 48%.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Myre |first=Greg |date=2005-09-26 |title=Sharon Faces Leadership Vote Forced by Political Opponents |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/26/international/middleeast/sharon-faces-leadership-vote-forced-by-political.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232457/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/26/international/middleeast/sharon-faces-leadership-vote-forced-by-political.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In November, Sharon's opponents within the Likud joined with the opposition to prevent the appointment of three of his associates to the Cabinet, successfully preventing the appointment of two.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Mualem |first1=Mazal |last2=Alon |first2=Gideon |date=2005-11-07 |script-title=he:שרון נכשל בכנסת , אולמרט אושר בנפרד |language=he |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/misc/2005-11-07/ty-article/0000017f-dc11-d3ff-a7ff-fdb14a5e0000 |access-date=2023-02-21 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128105248/https://www.haaretz.co.il/misc/2005-11-07/ty-article/0000017f-dc11-d3ff-a7ff-fdb14a5e0000 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 November 2005 [[Labor Party (Israel)|Labor]] announced its withdrawal from Sharon's governing coalition following the [[2005 Israeli Labor Party leadership election|election]] of the left-wing [[Amir Peretz]] as its leader.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Somfalvi |first=Attila |date=2005-11-20 |script-title=he:פרץ במרכז העבודה: "מי למהפך החברתי - אלי" |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3172057,00.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232149/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3172057,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 21 November 2005, Sharon announced he would be leaving the Likud and forming a new centrist party, [[Kadima]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Marciano |first1=Ilan |last2=Somfalvi |first2=Attila |date=2005-11-20 |script-title=he:שרון החליט לפרוש מהליכוד |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3172187,00.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232118/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3172187,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sofer |first=Roni |date=2005-11-23 |script-title=he:רשמית: מפלגת שרון - "קדימה" - יצאה לדרך |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3174013,00.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232457/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3174013,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The new party included both Likud and Labor supporters of unilateral disengagement. Sharon also announced that an [[2006 Israeli legislative election|election]] would take place in early 2006. Seven candidates had declared themselves as contenders to replace Sharon as leader: Netanyahu,<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Somfalvi |first=Attila |date=2005-11-27 |script-title=he:נתניהו פותח את הקמפיין להנהגת הליכוד |language=he |trans-title=Netanyahu begins campaign for leadership of the Likud |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3175717,00.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232452/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3175717,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Uzi Landau]],<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Somfalvi |first=Attila |date=2005-08-09 |script-title=he:לנדאו הכריז על מועמדותו לראשות הליכוד |language=he |trans-title=Landau has announced his candidacy for the chairmanship of the Likud |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3124880,00.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232143/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3124880,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shaul Mofaz]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Somfalvi |first=Attila |date=2005-11-24 |script-title=he:מרכז הליכוד אישר: הפריימריז בחודש הבא |language=he |trans-title=The Likud's central committee has confirmed: Primaries will happen next month |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3174392,00.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232452/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3174392,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Yisrael Katz (politician born 1955)|Yisrael Katz]],<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2005-12-11 |script-title=he:כץ על עזיבת מופז: "מכה לאמינות הפוליטיקאים" |language=he |trans-title=Katz on Mofaz's departure: "A blow to trust in politicians" |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3182577,00.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |last1=Ynet |first1=כתבי |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232141/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3182577,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Silvan Shalom]] and [[Moshe Feiglin]].<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Hasson |first=Miri |date=2005-11-30 |script-title=he:פייגלין הודיע שיתמודד בליכוד: "צריך מסורת" |language=he |trans-title=Feiglin announced he would run in the Likud: "Tradition is Needed" |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3177197,00.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232556/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3177197,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Landau and Mofaz later withdrew, the former in favour of Netanyahu<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last1=Marciano |first1=Ilan |last2=Somfalvi |first2=Attila |date=2005-12-05 |script-title=he:עוזי לנדאו פורש מהמירוץ, תומך בנתניהו |language=he |trans-title=Uzi Landau withdraws from race, supports Netanyahu |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3179491,00.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308152021/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3179491,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the latter to join Kadima.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sofer |first=Roni |date=2005-12-11 |script-title=he:מופז עוזב את הליכוד, עובר לקדימה |language=he |trans-title=Mofaz leaves Likud, moves to Kadima |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3182561,00.html |access-date=2022-06-07 |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308151759/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3182561,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Netanyahu's second term=== Netanyahu went on to win a [[2005 Likud leadership election|leadership election]] to replace Sharon in December, obtaining 44.4% of the vote. Shalom came in a second with 33%, while far-right candidate [[Moshe Feiglin]] achieved 12.4% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Marciano |first1=Ilan |last2=Somfalvi |first2=Attila |date=2005-12-19 |script-title=he:נתניהו: נחזור להנהגה, כולנו הולכים קדימה |language=he |trans-title=Netanyahu: we will return to leadership, we are all moving forwards |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3186995,00.html |access-date=2022-06-08 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221232613/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3186995,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=ToI Staff |title=Far-right ex-MK Feiglin dips feet back into Likud after failed solo Knesset run |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/far-right-ex-mk-feiglin-dips-feet-back-into-likud-after-failed-bid-to-go-solo/ |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225000213/https://www.timesofisrael.com/far-right-ex-mk-feiglin-dips-feet-back-into-likud-after-failed-bid-to-go-solo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to Shalom's performance, Netanyahu guaranteed him the second place on the party's list of Knesset candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zohar |first=Avishay |date=2005-12-21 |script-title=he:נתניהו לשלום: אשריין לך את המקום השני |url=https://www.makorrishon.co.il/nrg/online/1/ART1/023/085.html |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Makor Rishon |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221231956/https://www.makorrishon.co.il/nrg/online/1/ART1/023/085.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Polls before the 2006 election showed a substantial reduction in the Likud's support, with Kadima achieving a dominant polling lead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Netanyahu set for Sharon clash |date=December 19, 2005 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/12/19/likud.primaries/index.html |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=CNN |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225000213/https://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/12/19/likud.primaries/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Image:Likudtruck.jpg|right|thumb|A truck canvassing for Likud in [[Jerusalem]] in advance of the [[2006 Israeli legislative election|2006 election]]]] In January 2006 Sharon suffered a stroke that left him in a vegetative state, leading to his replacement as Kadima leader by Ehud Olmert,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Joffe |first=Lawrence |date=2014-01-11 |title=Ariel Sharon obituary |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/11/ariel-sharon |access-date=2023-02-24 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225000215/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/11/ariel-sharon |url-status=live }}</ref> who led Kadima to victory in the election, winning 29 seats. The Likud experienced a substantial loss in support, coming in fourth place and winning only 12, while other right-wing nationalist parties such as [[Yisrael Beiteinu]], which came within 116 votes of overtaking Likud, gained votes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=בחירות 2006 |url=https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/2006/ |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=www.idi.org.il |language=he |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308142748/https://www.idi.org.il/policy/parties-and-elections/elections/2006/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Every Vote Counts |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2013-01-18/ty-article/.premium/nehemia-shtrasler-every-vote-counts/0000017f-f367-d487-abff-f3ffd4ad0000 |access-date=2023-02-24 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128105400/https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2013-01-18/ty-article/.premium/nehemia-shtrasler-every-vote-counts/0000017f-f367-d487-abff-f3ffd4ad0000 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the election, Netanyahu was re-elected Likud Leader in [[2007 Likud leadership election|2007]], defeating Feiglin and World Likud Chairman [[Danny Danon]].<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=he:תוצאות סופיות בליכוד: נתניהו עם 73% הביס את פייגלין מהימין הקיצוני עם 23% |journal=TheMarker |url=https://www.themarker.com/career/1.454094 |access-date=2022-05-02 |archive-date=2 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502102639/https://www.themarker.com/career/1.454094 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |script-title=he:סיכום פריימריס 2007 לפי אתר הצבעה |url=http://www.likud.org.il/files/wordocs/Prim_l.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928223317/http://www.likud.org.il/files/wordocs/Prim_l.pdf |archive-date=2007-09-28 |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=Likud |language=he}}</ref> Following the opening of several criminal investigations against Olmert,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kershner |first=Isabel |date=2008-07-31 |title=Olmert to Quit After Elections in September |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/world/middleeast/31mideast.html |access-date=2023-02-28 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530121645/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/world/middleeast/31mideast.html |url-status=live }}</ref> he resigned as prime minister on 21 September 2008 and retired from politics.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Madzini |first=Ronen |date=2008-09-21 |script-title=he:תם עידן: אולמרט הגיש מכתב התפטרות לנשיא |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3599974,00.html |access-date=2023-02-27 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228000535/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3599974,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the [[2009 Israeli legislative election|ensuing snap election]], held in 2009, Likud won 27 seats, the second-largest number of seats and one seat less than Kadima, now led by [[Tzipi Livni]]. However, Likud's allies won enough seats to allow Netanyahu to form a government, which included Likud, Yisrael Beiteinu, [[Shas]], [[United Torah Judaism]], [[The Jewish Home]], and Labor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Israeli election |url=https://en.idi.org.il/israeli-elections-and-parties/elections/2009/ |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=[[Israel Democracy Institute]] |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401015213/https://en.idi.org.il/israeli-elections-and-parties/elections/2009/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=he:בחירות 2009 {{!}} אביגדור ליברמן אמר את דברו: בנימין נתניהו יהיה ראש הממשלה הבא |language=he |work=[[Haaretz]] |url=https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2009-02-19/ty-article/0000017f-e3af-d804-ad7f-f3ffd6de0000 |access-date=2023-02-28 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128105403/https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2009-02-19/ty-article/0000017f-e3af-d804-ad7f-f3ffd6de0000 |url-status=live }}</ref> Labor left the coalition in 2011 after party leader Ehud Barak left to form his own party, [[Independence (Israeli political party)|Independence]], that remained a member of Netanyahu's government.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Somfalvi |first=Attila |date=2011-01-17 |script-title=he:אהוד ברק כתב: נמשיך את מסורת מפא"י |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4014698,00.html |access-date=2023-03-01 |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308141134/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4014698,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The next year, Netanyahu was [[2012 Likud leadership election|re-elected]] as Likud leader, defeating Moshe Feiglin.<ref name="result">{{cite news |date=3 February 2012 |title=Netanyahu won the Likud battle, but he may lose the war |newspaper=Haaretz |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/netanyahu-won-the-likud-battle-but-he-may-lose-the-war-1.410721 |access-date=3 February 2012 |archive-date=1 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301182805/https://www.haaretz.com/1.5180842 |url-status=live }}</ref> Kadima then joined the coalition in May 2012 before leaving in July.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Azulay |first1=Moran |last2=Somfalvi |first2=Attila |date=2012-07-17 |script-title=he:מופז פרש מהממשלה: "נתניהו בחר במשתמטים" |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4256776,00.html |access-date=2023-03-01 |archive-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301004459/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4256776,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following Kadima's withdrawal from the government and amid disagreements related to the 2013 budget, the Knesset was dissolved in October 2012 and a [[2013 Israeli legislative election|snap election]] was called for January 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2012-10-16 |title=Israeli parliament dissolved ahead of early elections |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/16/israeli-parliament-dissolved-early-elections |access-date=2023-03-03 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307220007/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/oct/16/israeli-parliament-dissolved-early-elections |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== Partnership with Yisrael Beitenu and 2015 election ==== Several days after the election was called on 25 October 2012, Netanyahu and Yisrael Beitenu leader [[Avigdor Lieberman]] announced that their respective political parties would run together on a single ballot in the election under the name [[Likud Yisrael Beiteinu]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Leshem |first=Elie |title=Netanyahu, Liberman announce they'll run joint list for Knesset |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-announces-merger-with-israel-beytenu-promises-to-lead-with-strength/ |newspaper=The Times of Israel |access-date=27 October 2012 |archive-date=27 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027064830/http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-announces-merger-with-israel-beytenu-promises-to-lead-with-strength/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The move led to speculation that Lieberman would eventually seek the leadership of Likud after he stated that he "wanted to become the Prime Minister".<ref>{{cite news |date=26 October 2012 |title=Liberman: Every politician wants to become PM |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |url=http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Liberman-Every-politician-wants-to-become-PM |access-date=30 June 2015 |archive-date=11 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011154819/http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Liberman-Every-politician-wants-to-become-PM |url-status=live }}</ref> Several days before the election, Lieberman said the parties would not merge, and that their direct partnership would end after the election.<ref>{{cite news |last=Verter |first=Yossi |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/lieberman-yisrael-beiteinu-s-marriage-to-likud-ends-at-election.premium-1.492096 |title=Lieberman: Yisrael Beiteinu's marriage to Likud ends at election |newspaper=Haaretz |date=6 January 2013 |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017073629/http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/lieberman-yisrael-beiteinu-s-marriage-to-likud-ends-at-election.premium-1.492096 |url-status=live }}</ref> The partnership ultimately lasted until July 2014, when it officially dissolved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gur |first=Haviv Rettig |title=Liberman dissolves Likud-Beytenu Knesset partnership |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/likud-yisrael-beytenu-to-sever-joint-knesset-list/ |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304000529/https://www.timesofisrael.com/likud-yisrael-beytenu-to-sever-joint-knesset-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 2013 elections the Likud–Yisrael Beiteinu alliance won 31 seats, 20 of which were Likud members.<ref>{{cite web |first=Edmund |last=Sanders |date=2013-02-02 |title=Netanyahu officially asked to put together new Israeli government |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-netanyahu-asked-to-put-together-new-government-20130202,0,2826558.story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203080225/http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-netanyahu-asked-to-put-together-new-government-20130202,0,2826558.story |archive-date=2013-02-03 |access-date=2017-02-27 |website=[[The Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The second largest party, [[Yair Lapid]]'s [[Yesh Atid]], won 19.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2013-01-23 |script-title=he:תוצאות האמת: ליכוד 31, לפיד 19, עבודה רק 15 |language=he |work=Ynet |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4335940,00.html |access-date=2023-03-03 |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304000524/https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4335940,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Netanyahu continued as prime minister after forming a coalition with Yesh Atid, the Jewish Home, and [[Hatnuah]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Jewish Home, Yesh Atid ink coalition deal with Likud-Beytenu |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/with-no-time-to-spare-a-government-is-formed/ |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215826/https://www.timesofisrael.com/with-no-time-to-spare-a-government-is-formed/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The government collapsed in December 2014 due to disagreements over the budget and the proposed [[Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People|Nation-state bill]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 December 2014 |title=Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu fires 2 ministers, election likely |agency=CBC News |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-s-benjamin-netanyahu-fires-2-ministers-election-likely-1.2857502 |access-date=7 March 2023 |archive-date=4 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504164200/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-s-benjamin-netanyahu-fires-2-ministers-election-likely-1.2857502 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-israel-politics-idUSKCN0JF1MR20141201 |title=Netanyahu says Israel could be headed to early election |work=Reuters |date=1 December 2014 |access-date=7 March 2023 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215820/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-israel-politics-idUSKCN0JF1MR20141201 |url-status=live }}</ref> triggering a [[2015 Israeli legislative election|snap election]] the next year.<ref name="TOI2">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-votes-unanimously-to-dissolve-ushering-in-new-elections/ |work=Knesset votes to dissolve, sets new elections for March 17 |title=Times of Israel |date=8 December 2014 |access-date=7 March 2023 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516081133/https://www.timesofisrael.com/knesset-votes-unanimously-to-dissolve-ushering-in-new-elections/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Likud won the 2015 election, defeating the [[Zionist Union]], an alliance of Labor and Hatnuah, winning 30 seats to the Zionist Union's 24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Netanyahu scores crushing victory in Israeli elections |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-claims-victory-as-vote-count-shows-likud-further-ahead/ |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215826/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-claims-victory-as-vote-count-shows-likud-further-ahead/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The party subsequently formed a government with United Torah Judaism, Shas, [[Kulanu]], and the Jewish Home.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rudoren |first=Jodi |date=2015-05-06 |title=Netanyahu Forms an Israeli Government, With Minutes to Spare |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/07/world/middleeast/netanyahu-israel-coalition-government.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215805/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/07/world/middleeast/netanyahu-israel-coalition-government.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2016, Yisrael Beitenu joined the government,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liebermann |first=Oren |date=2016-05-25 |title=Israel's Netanyahu moves government further to the right |url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/25/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-nationalist-party/index.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=7 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215744/https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/25/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-nationalist-party/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> before leaving in December 2018, causing Netanyahu to call a snap election for [[April 2019 Israeli legislative election|April 2019]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wootliff |first=Raoul |title=20th Knesset officially dissolves, sets elections for April 9, 2019 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/20th-knesset-officially-dissolves-sets-elections-for-april-9-2019/ |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=19 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419001001/https://www.timesofisrael.com/20th-knesset-officially-dissolves-sets-elections-for-april-9-2019/ |url-status=live }}</ref> === 2019–2022 elections === During the course of the [[April 2019 Israeli legislative election]] campaign, Likud facilitated the formation of the [[Union of Right-Wing Parties]] between the [[Jewish Home]], [[Tkuma (political party)|Tkuma]] and [[Otzma Yehudit]] by providing a slot on its own electoral list to Jewish Home candidate [[Eli Ben-Dahan]].<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Haaretz]]|title=Top Posts for Merging With Kahanists: Netanyahu, Far-right Party Reach Deal|date=20 February 2019|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-netanyahu-to-right-wing-party-merge-with-kahanists-and-get-key-portfolios-1.6956512|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=10 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110035831/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/.premium-netanyahu-to-right-wing-party-merge-with-kahanists-and-get-key-portfolios-1.6956512|url-status=live}}</ref> In the aftermath of the election, [[Kulanu]] merged into Likud.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newman |first1=Marissa |title=Likud okays merger with Kulanu, confirms Netanyahu as PM candidate |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/likud-okays-merger-with-kulanu-confirms-netanyahu-as-pm-candidate/ |website=Times of Israel |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528180405/https://www.timesofisrael.com/likud-okays-merger-with-kulanu-confirms-netanyahu-as-pm-candidate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[September 2019 Israeli legislative election]] campaign, Likud agreed to a deal with [[Zehut]], whereby the latter party would drop out of the election and endorse Likud in exchange for a ministerial post for its leader, [[Moshe Feiglin]], as well as policy concessions.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|title=Netanyahu promises Feiglin ministry so that Zehut Party ends race|date=29 August 2019|url=https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Netanyahu-promises-Zehuts-Feiglin-ministerial-position-in-government-600099|first=Gil|last=Hoffman|access-date=29 August 2019|archive-date=21 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421155717/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/netanyahu-promises-zehuts-feiglin-ministerial-position-in-government-600099|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the [[2020 Israeli legislative election]] [[Gideon Sa'ar]] unsuccessfully challenged Netanyahu for the Likud leadership.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wootliff|first=Raoul|title=Netanyahu quashes Likud leadership challenge from Sa'ar with over 72%|work=[[The Times of Israel]]|date=27 December 2019|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-declares-victory-in-likud-primary-appears-headed-for-landslide-win/|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229065542/https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-declares-victory-in-likud-primary-appears-headed-for-landslide-win/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December of that year, Sa'ar left Likud, along with four other Likud MKs, to form [[New Hope (Israel)|New Hope]].<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Times of Israel]]|date=27 December 2020|title='He's dangerous': Ex-Likud MK who joined Sa'ar rules out gov't with Netanyahu|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/former-likud-mks-who-joined-saar-we-wont-enter-a-coalition-with-netanyahu/|access-date=11 February 2021|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127145857/https://www.timesofisrael.com/former-likud-mks-who-joined-saar-we-wont-enter-a-coalition-with-netanyahu/|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the [[2021 Israeli legislative election]], [[Gesher (2019 political party)|Gesher]] merged into Likud, receiving a slot on its electoral list.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Israel Hayom]]|title=Likud edges up, Left bloc slumps in polls|date=8 February 2021|url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/02/08/likud-edges-up-left-bloc-slumps-in-polls/|access-date=11 February 2021|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119233803/https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/02/08/likud-edges-up-left-bloc-slumps-in-polls/|url-status=live}}</ref> 2021 marked the first time that Likud put a Muslim on its slate, choosing Muslim school principal Nail Zoabi for 39th on its slate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-04 |title=Netanyahu's Likud Names Muslim Candidate to Woo Israel's Arabs |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-04/netanyahu-s-likud-names-muslim-candidate-to-woo-israel-s-arabs |access-date=2023-11-22 |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228163852/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-04/netanyahu-s-likud-names-muslim-candidate-to-woo-israel-s-arabs |url-status=live }}</ref> Likud also facilitated the formation of a joint list between the [[Religious Zionist Party]], [[Otzma Yehudit]] and [[Noam (political party)|Noam]] by providing the Religious Zionist Party a slot on the Likud list.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Jerusalem Post]]|title=Israel elections: Netanyahu pushes Kahanist into Knesset|date=3 February 2021|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-elections/israel-elections-netanyahu-pushes-kahanist-into-knesset-657724|access-date=11 February 2021|archive-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203190735/https://www.jpost.com/israel-elections/israel-elections-netanyahu-pushes-kahanist-into-knesset-657724|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 June, after the swearing-in of the 36th government, [[Ofir Sofer]] who held the slot, split from the Likud faction and returned to the Religious Zionist Party, decreasing the Likud faction by one to 29 seats in the Knesset.<ref>{{cite news |title=Official: Ofir Sofer returns to the Religious Zionist Party |url=https://www.srugim.co.il/571778-%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A8-%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%A8-%D7%97%D7%95%D7%96%D7%A8-%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%A4%D7%9C%D7%92%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94 |work=Srugim |date=14 June 2021 |language=he |access-date=14 June 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614162328/https://www.srugim.co.il/571778-%D7%A8%D7%A9%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%90%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A8-%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%A8-%D7%97%D7%95%D7%96%D7%A8-%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%A4%D7%9C%D7%92%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ophir Sofer returns, Yamina waiting for Shai Maimon |url=https://www.inn.co.il/news/495823 |work=Arutz 7 |date=14 June 2021 |language=he |access-date=14 June 2021 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614173033/https://www.inn.co.il/news/495823 |url-status=live }}</ref> Likud won the most seats in the [[2022 Israeli legislative election]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kingsley |first=Patrick |date=3 November 2022 |title=Lapid Concedes in Israel, Paving Way for Netanyahu's Return to Power |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/world/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-election.html |access-date=3 November 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103104740/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/world/middleeast/israel-netanyahu-election.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
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