Külügyi Szemle - A Teleki László Intézet Külpolitikai Tanulmányok Központja folyóirata - 2003 (2. évfolyam)
2003 / 1. szám - KÖZEL-KELET - Gazdik Gyula: The evolution of the Israeli party system
The evolution of the Israeli party system The antecedents and results of the 16th Knesset elections The National Unity government created in March 2001 faced serious challenges. The main problem arose from Palestinian insurgence. A combination of factors - the rejection of the Oslo peace processes, the September 11 turning point, as well as the American-initiated war against terror - presented a good opportunity to reinforce the practice of strong hand politics inherited from the Barak era. As a result of the mounting tensions caused by a chain of terrorist attacks - the security-conscious Israeli society vehemently opposed the continuation of the previous approach to the peace processes - thus reinforcing Sharon's position. However, the question remains as to whether long-term stability is attainable in light of the de facto liquidation of the Palestinian Authority, the rebuilding of local identity and the Sharon plan, - which surpasses even the controversial Bush concept with respect to the creation of Palestinian statehood.-"’ The Prime Minister stipulates that the American-led initiative to remove the present Iraqi regime would deprive the Palestinians of important support resources and the countries hostile to Israel would come under increased international pressure. Hence, the acceleration of this process would create favourable conditions for Israel with respect to the regional consolidation of the Jewish State. The other major problem of the national unity government relates to the deterioration of the socio-economic situation. Whereas in the first quarter of the 1990s Israel belonged to the most developed nations of the world with an impressive economic growth - by the end of the decade - growth declined and elicited negative growth during 2001-2002 and rising unemployment.31 The negative turnaround stemmed from world recession in general and high-tech in particular, as well as the Al- Aqsa Intifada. All these factors have contributed to the enduring social tension of a society previously priding itself in equalitarian values. With respect to family income - in comparison to divergences in other countries - Israel is second to the United States. Moreover, there are no prospects for alleviation of this imbalance. The critical economic situation necessitated the introduction of austerity measures, however, the coalition partners assessed the contents with next year's elections in mind. The prime minister - leader on the popularity rating - had to rebuff the demands of the Shas leaders first. They had been criticising the financial restrictions that hurt their interests and Sharon has been forced to risk a split by suspending Shas ministers. Behind the scene, however, he had made some political compromises and the ministers of Rabbi Yosef were allowed to resume their ministerial duties. However, this battle of wills in the spring of 2002 damaged the prestige of the Shas. Sharon had no such luck with the Labour Party. The disagreement within the national unity government with respect to the negative affects of budgetary restrictions on conflicting party interests became ostensibly unbridgeable. During a meeting of the Labour Party 2003. tavasz 53
