JEWISH KING JESUS IS COMING AT THE RAPTURE FOR US IN THE CLOUDS-DON'T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD.THE BIBLE TAKEN LITERALLY- WHEN THE PLAIN SENSE MAKES GOOD SENSE-SEEK NO OTHER SENSE-LEST YOU END UP IN NONSENSE.GET SAVED NOW- CALL ON JESUS TODAY.THE ONLY SAVIOR OF THE WHOLE EARTH - NO OTHER.
1 COR 15:23-JESUS THE FIRST FRUITS-CHRISTIANS RAPTURED TO JESUS-FIRST FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT-23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.ROMANS 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.(THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE)
OTHER STORIES
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/02/russia-arab-muslims-lookout-bird.html (ISR BIRD MIGRATION)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/did-current-day-haman-die-finally.html (IRAN LEADER DEAD)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/hardline-leader-in-iran-elected-to.html (IRAN DEAD PERSIST)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/is-congress-stepping-in-to-iran.html (SEN LETTER TO IRAN)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/did-someone-off-putinor-just-another.html (IS PUTIN DEAD)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/is-world-european-union-dictator-or.html (DICTATOR)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/european-union-get-that-army-together.html (EU ARMY)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/four-fallacies-of-european-union-policy.html (EU FOR POLICY)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/the-world-government-allegience-to.html (MICROCHIP IMPLANT)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/israel-finds-coins-and-jewelty-in-under.html (COINS DISCOVERED)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/the-58-democrates-who-skipped-benjamin.html (JUDGEMENTS)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/cern-end-of-world-demons-unleashed-from.html (CERN)
FERGESON AND OTHER TERRORIST AND VARIOUS STORIES
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/ham-or-blacks-of-today-are-giants-or.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/even-though-blacks-in-fergeson-missouri.html
OTHER ISRAELI STORIES
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/abbas-we-must-reexamine-israeli-ties.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/idf-expects-major-terror-attack-from.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/02/could-this-new-nato-of-arab-nations-be.html
ISAIAH 57:20-21
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
REVELATION 13:1
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.(THE EU AND ITS DICTATOR IS GODLESS)
REBUILT 3RD TEMPLE
REVELATION 11:1-2
1 And there was given me a(MEASURING) reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out,(TO THE WORLD NATIONS) and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.(JERUSALEM DIVIDED BUT THE 3RD TEMPLE ALLOWED TO BE REBUILT)
DANIEL 9:27
27 And he( THE ROMAN,EU PRESIDENT) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week:(1X7=7 YEARS) and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,(3 1/2 yrs in TEMPLE SACRIFICES STOPPED) and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
DANIEL 11:31
31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.(3RD TEMPLE REBUILT)
DANIEL 12:11
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away,(AT THE MIDPOINT OF THE TRIBULATION PERIOD)(3RD TEMPLE SACRIFICES STOPPED BY DICTATOR) and the abomination that maketh desolate set up,(TO WORSHIP THE DICTATOR OR DIE) there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.(1,290 DAYS)(AN EXTRA 30 DAYS AT THE END OF THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD FOR JESUS TO DESTROY THE ARMIES AGAINST JERUSALEM.AND TO JUDGE THE SHEEP AND GOAT NATIONS OF MATTHEW 25:31-46-HOW THEY TREATED ISRAEL DURING THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD.AND THEN I BELIEVE JESUS WILL REBUILD THE 4TH TEMPLE 25 MILES FROM THE CURRENT TEMPLE MOUNT.AND THEN JESUS RULES FOR THE 1,000 YEARS-THEN FOREVER FROM THAT 4TH TEMPLE.)
MATTHEW 24:15-16
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)(THE DICTATOR SITS IN THE REBUILT 3RD TEMPLE CALLING HIMSELF GOD AT THE MIDPOINT OR 3 1/2 YEAR PERIOD OF THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD.OR 7 YEAR PEACE TREATY BETWEEN ISRAEL-ARABS AND MANY OF DANIEL 9:27)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Last year Home and Construction Minister Uri Ariel called for Israel to build the Third Temple where the Dome of the Rock and the al-Asqa Mosque now stand. M.K. Moshe Feiglin has been calling for a change in the status quo for years. He once said if he was elected Prime Minister, he would rebuild the Third Temple. He's been advocating for allowing prayer on the Temple Mount, and when Prime Minister Netanyahu asked Israeli elected officials to show restraint in visiting the Temple Mount, Feiglin ignored him. MK Naftali Bennett has also expressed his dissatisfaction with maintaining the status quo by expressing his desire to see Israel exert greater control over the Temple Mount.It's not just a few government officials that are advocating for a radical change in the status quo. The Temple Institute has just raised $104,000 to draw up architectural plans to build the Third Temple. And its website states that their goal is to remove the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque to build a Third Temple.
Geo-politically, the Temple Mount has to be cleared of the Dome of the Rock and the mosques which are presently located upon it before the physical rebuilding of the Holy Temple can begin. Many scenarios can be imagined which would accomplish this, the most promising, and not necessarily the most far-fetched, would entail Moslem recognition of the Mount as the intended location for the rebuilt Temple. With the acquiescence of the Moslem world the Moslem structures currently on the Mount would be disassembled and reassembled elsewhere. traditionally, Moslem texts, beginning with the Koran, accept the prophecies of the return of the Jewish nation and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. Today, of course, radical Islam holds sway over the Moslem world, and until this phenomenon is defeated, the likelihood of a peaceful preparation for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple remains nil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffwb8_ABxVI#t=30
A 200-pound. gold menorah, built for use in a future Third Temple by the Temple Institute, stands in a case overlooking the Western Wall in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
Chaim Richman, international director of the Temple Institute, standing next to a replica of the holy ark at an exhibit of Third Temple vessels in the institute’s offices in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
The high priest’s diadem, created for use in a future third temple by the Temple Institute, at an exhibit of Third Temple vessels in the institute’s offices in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
A model of the Second Temple at an exhibit of Third Temple vessels in the Temple Institute’s offices in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
BENJAMIN NETANYAHUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4XJnRPZjXhgvVMhXKNSJvQ
ON CNN AROUND 2008 ALSO.BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAID HE THINKS HE WAS PUT IN OFFICE TO REBUILD THE 3RD TEMPLE.HE BELIEVES GOD WILL USE HIM TO REBUILD THE 3RD TEMPLE. AND I MYSELF DO BELIEVE BIBI WILL WIN THE MARCH 17,2015 ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL.
100,000 raised to rebuild 3rd temple.Temple Institute says 900 donors from 30 countries donated to 60-day campaign.http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/International-crowdfunding-campaign-to-build-Third-Temple-raises-over-100000-376610
Anita Fuentes predicts Iran attacks Israel between Mar 20th and Apr 3,2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EREXwVwpUyY&index=3&list=UUbynpLgKGOAQDqWZceDs-aw
Benjamin Netanyahu Prophecy 3 TERMS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-PUo9Bc3Vk&list=UUbynpLgKGOAQDqWZceDs-aw&index=2
Prophetic Word spoken by Wendy Alec regarding Benjamin Netanyahu in April 2008:NOT ONE TERM – NOT TWO TERMS – BUT THREE TERMS AS PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL YOU SHALL SEE
For My son – I have heard your voice in past years lifted up to me in the midnight hour and even in the months and the years past – when you were passed over in office, My son – KNOW THIS – THAT YOU WERE NOT PASSED OVER BY ME. For I, the Lord God of Israel – I, the sovereign God of the earth have raised you up – BY MY OWN HAND. I have raised you up and I saw the struggle in your soul – and I heard you say – it should be me – this is my role – this is my place. But I have guarded YOU JEALOUSLY, says the Lord, even as I have guarded ISRAEL JEALOUSLY. And I have kept you, son – For a SET time and a season – for the latter days For like King David I have taken you even from the sheepfold and I have raised you up for such a time and for such a PLACE and for such a SEASON I have raised you up says the Lord. For I have not raised you up not for your own sake My son – But FOR JERUSALEM’S SAKE I have raised YOU UP and as you have watched the political powers shift and sway – know this My child – I have chosen you by my own hand - NOT for the seasons of the PAST or the seasons of the immediate present but with deliberate intent I have kept you for THIS NEXT and this SOON COMING SEASON and I tell you, My son – THIS SEASON COMES SWIFTLY TOWARDS YOU I tell you, My son – this season descends SWIFTLY upon you and even as ISRAEL was born even in a day. The nation was born even in a day so, like ISRAEL the nation you are hewn from, EVEN IN A DAY – I SHALL SET YOU IN OFFICE - IN THE HIGH PLACE AS RULER OF ISRAEL YOU SHALL BE. For NOT ONE TERM says the Lord. Not TWO terms says the Lord. But THREE terms – says the Lord
For NOT ONE TERM says the Lord. Not TWO terms says the Lord. But THREE terms. And then the time of the END. And you shall see and marvel. And you shall see that I, the Lord GOD of Israel and NO MAN has done this thing. Not by your own strength or the strength of others, says the Lord. BUT BY MY HAND. I shall set you on high. And I shall set you as a WATCHMAN over my Land as a WATCHMAN over the WALLS of Jerusalem and even like King David YOUR REIGN shall be. And it shall be JUST IN TIME says the Lord. JUST IN TIME
For your voice shall cry out against the plans of MEN. And your voice shall cry out against the strategies of the enemy. And it shall be different than before. For your voice shall roar in the White House and your voice shall roar in the United Nations and your voice shall resound even to the European Union And you shall say NO – It is ENOUGH NO – Jerusalem is OUR’S. Jerusalem is the Lord our God’s.
For I tell you, child – you shall yet see things in your day that will make grown men tremble. Remember My son – that I HAVE SET YOU – to water and nurture and GUARD my people ISREAL and GUIDE My people ISRAEL. I HAVE JEALOUSLY GUARDED YOU TO RELEASE YOU TO REIGN OVER Israel in the time of the END. Be FAITHFUL My son. Cry out to Me for WISDOM in these coming days, My son. Honour My name among your people Israel, My son. And WHEN YOU SEE these things come to pass – REMEMBER ME says the Lord.
And I will set a flame of fire around you in your days of office And many, many, many will be the sinister schemes laid in secret against you But I shall PROTECT YOU says the Lord And you shall know my covering. You shall know my protection and you shall know My grace. And even in your personal life says the Lord, I am about to pour a great oil and balm upon you – And you shall know PEACE and REST on all sides of your personal life, My son. And it shall be My blessing upon you.
While the nations rage against you and I shall hook out the nations even those of the West that the world shall see their true intents and their evil schemes against My Land. And no longer shall their intentions remain hidden from view, says the Lord For I am roused with a holy anger against them and as you speak I SHALL SPEAK. And as you roar I SHALL SURELY ROAR FROM ZION. For you are My chosen vessel for Israel in these last and coming days.
NETANYAHU SPEECHES CONGRESS-AIPAC MAR 2,3RD 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=magIuMBx3x0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXqMZY0xNw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45lyp8EeBNs
http://www.prophecydude.org/signs/third-temple/
NOT RELATED STORY-92 spain closing ceremonies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck9OoY3b9WI
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/tens-of-thousands-rally-in-tel-aviv.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/isis-attacks-christian-villages-in.html
ISRAELI 2015 ELECTION RESULTS MAR 17,2015
http://www.israelelection2015.org/candidates/#LikudList
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IsraelElectionsGuide
http://www.israelemb.org/washington/NewsAndEvents/Pages/FAQ_Elections_Israel.aspx
http://www.israelelection2015.org/parties/
Explore the societal aspects, and political implications of the voting trends, as we follow the results live from Israel. Sponsored by the Israel Action Center and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.Tuesday, March 17-7:00 - 9:00 PM
The 2015 Israeli Elections
Israel last held elections in 2013 with the Likud-Beitenu party winning the most seats. A coalition government was formed with the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu, Yesh Atid and the Jewish Home parties. In late November and early December, 2014, a series of major disagreements between these parties erupted over numerous issues, including a proposed “Value Added Tax Law” (a bill proposing zero-rate VAT for first-time home buyers) and a proposed legislation called the "Jewish Nation State Bill" (which sought to resolve the tension between the country's dual Jewish and democratic character, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. It aspired to do so by defining Jewishness as the default nature of the state in any instance, legal or legislative, in which the state's Jewishness and its democratic aspirations clash). This lead to a call for the 2015 elections by the ruling coalition.On December 2nd, Likud announced a government dissolution bill, with a vote schedule for December 8th. Later on the 2nd, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Tzipi Livni and Yair Lapid from their cabinet positions. The government dissolution bill passed its 3rd reading on December 3, 2014 by a vote of 93-0. After some pushback from several parties, the date for the 2015 elections was set for March 17, 2015.
Major Issues in the 2015 Elections
These elections have become very personal to the Israeli voter and increasingly distasteful in terms of attacks on candidates. Similar issues that arose in 2013 with regards to the economy are somewhat present. Israel as a whole has weathered the global economic downturn favorably, but the gap between the “haves” and “have not’s” has only increased. The cost of living and housing have sky-rocketed while wages have stagnated or even dropped. Many average Israelis have trouble "finishing the month" and meeting their cost of living financial obligations. This is in addition to the regular security issues, including the Iranian threat and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which accompany every election campaign.
The 2015 election is forcing the Israeli voters to decide where on the political spectrum they would like their government to be. This election is forcing them to declare a conservative/right wing or liberal/left wing outlook on questions including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlement building and funding, how the State of Israel defines itself, budget priorities, etc. There is also a growing sentiment of "just not Bibi" as many citizens and politicians have grown weary of PM Netanyahu's politics and tactics, who has served as Israel's PM for the last six consecutive years, nine years total since 1996. They are concerned that nothing would change positively if PM Netanyahu were elected for a third consecutive term. On the other hand, there is a growing attack against the Israeli left, which has adopted the name “The Zionist Camp”, claiming that they are not really Zionists and are acting against the State of Israel.
THE TOP 15 OF THE 26 PARTIES THAT THE ISRAELIS HAVE A CHANCE TO VOTE FOR.ARE.
RIGHT WING PARTIES
01-Likud (Consolidation) - Israel's current ruling party led by current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was founded in 1973. In the 2015 elections, this party is campaigning on issues of security and national identity hoping to appeal to its right-wing base constituency. The party has moved further right than in previous elections with the hope that if it wins enough mandates, it will create natural connections with other far right and ultra-Orthodox parties to form a coalition. PM Netanyahu (Bibi) is running for his 3rd consecutive term and faces a growing "just not Bibi" sentiment. Likud has publicly endorsed a Two State Solution and leadership entered into peace negotiations led by the U.S. in both 2010 and 2013, but PM Netanyahu said current security threats prevent that solution from viability, blaming the collapse of peace talks on the Palestinians’ rejection of all reasonable offers. The other major issue Likud supports this election cycle, and the main reason for the collapse of the current government is the "Jewish Nation State Bill" which emphasizes the Jewish characteristics of Israel above the democratic characteristics of the state. However, PM Netanyahu has clearly stated he will not agree to any legislation that undermines Israel's democratic values.
02-HaBayit HaYehudi (Jewish Home) - Led by Naftali Bennet, this party is considered very right wing. It was founded in 2008 and is associated with the religious Zionist and settler movements. This party was also a part of the government elected in 2013 with Bennet serving as the Minister of Economics and Uri Ariel, deputy to Bennet, serving as Minister of Housing which legislates and controls the settlements. HaBayit Hayehudi and its leadership are opposed to a Two State Solution and any type of withdrawal from the West Bank. Bennet proposed, instead, that Israel should offer full citizenship to Palestinians living in "Area C" which represents about 2/3 of the West Bank area. By controlling the Housing Ministry, HaBayit Hayehudi has been able to push its policies of expanding settlement housing. Naftali Bennet was also instrumental in pushing the introduction and hopeful passage of the “Jewish Nation State Bill” as he made his joining the 2013 ruling coalition contingent on its passage.
03-Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) - A secular nationalist party headed by Avigdor Lieberman, founded in 1999 for Jews born in the former Soviet Union. Lieberman, as party leader, served as Foreign Minister as part of Netanyahu's 2013 ruling coalition. However, Yisrael Beiteinu pulled out of the coalition after criticizing PM Netanyahu's restraint in managing the Gaza escalation (“Protective Edge”) in the summer of 2014. Lieberman and consequently Yisrael Beiteinu, is now a vocal part of the "just not Bibi" chorus for the 2015 election. However, this party is under great scrutiny after an investigation into alleged corruption by party officials. Recently, the party's stance on a Two State Solution has been changed to call instead for a regional peace agreement based around the establishment of a state for Palestinians. The plan released by the party does not deliver specifics, but does affirm the idea that giving up territory for peace is viable and that the Israeli people must take precedence over the unity of the land.
ULTRA ORTHODOX PARTIES
04-Shas (Sephardic Guards) - Founded in 1984 as a home for ultra-Orthodox Sephardim, this party has a history of playing both spoiler and kingmaker in ruling coalitions across the political spectrum. For practically the first time since its establishment, it was not part of the 2013 governing coalition and has seen its popularity fall after its spiritual leader and founder, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, died in the last year. After Rabbi Ovadia’s passing, there has been a struggle for leadership of the party between current leader Aryeh Deri and Eli Yishai, leader of a faction within the party. Yishai formed a new party for the 2015 elections. Deri, and thus Shas, has endorsed an interim peace agreement with the Palestinians affirming the idea that trading land for a lasting peace is acceptable, but has also said a lasting peace is not possible until solving the problem of Hamas. Deri is also very public about condemning anti-Arab hate crimes and makes clear that Shas cares about all citizens of Israel including Arabs.
05-Ha'am Itanu (The People Are With Us) - A faction from within Shas led by Eli Yishai broke away to form this party in 2015. Yishai claims Ha’am Itanu is the path which Rabbi Ovadia Yosef would have taken. Yishai opposes settlement freezes in the West Bank, does not believe Israel should negotiate with the Palestinians until significant changes have been made on their side, and felt that PM Netanyahu was wrong to hold back during “Operation Pillar of Defense” in 2012 and instead should have sent “Gaza back to the Middle Ages.” Yishai is anti-immigration and has called for the deportation and repatriation of migrants with the sole goal of maintaining the Jewish majority in Israel.
06-Yahadut Ha’Torah (United Torah Judaism) - This party, founded in 1992, can be described as an alliance of Hasidic rabbis and their interest groups. They work to obtain funding for Haredi institutions and to keep the State of Israel’s relationship between state and religion in tact. UTJ does not allow female candidates. This party will not accept cabinet positions in the government and identifies as non-Zionist. The majority of support for this party comes from Haredi settlers in the West Bank in places like Modi’in Illit and Beitar Illit. They have proposed a bill that would require a supermajority in Knesset before Israel could hold negotiations regarding the status of Jerusalem. UTJ considered supporting PM Netanyahu’s “Jewish Nation State Bill” before the government collapsed.
CENTER PARTIES
07-Yesh Atid (There is a Future) - Founded in 2013 by popular television personality, Yair Lapid, they were the surprise winner of the 2nd most seats in the in the 2013 elections with 19 seats. Yesh Atid's appeal in 2013 was to middle-class voters who were frustrated with Israel’s political system and economic policies. In the 19th Knesset, Lapid served as Finance Minister. His popularity over the last 2 years has plummeted, as he is perceived to have not delivered many of the economic promises he made. Lapid, meanwhile, has accused PM Netanyahu of being out of touch with the Israeli voter. The party believes in a Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but they have concentrated more on domestic issues than foreign policy. Yesh Atid is a Center Left party. Notable members include Silver Spring native Rabbi Dov Lipman, Yaakov Peri, and Shai Peron.
08-Kulanu (All of us) - A brand new party established in late 2014 by former Welfare Minister Moshe Kahlon formerly of the Likud party. Kahlon gained praise for helping reform the Israeli communications market thereby reducing the price of cell phone services when he was Welfare Minister. The focus of this party is on “clean” lawmakers and reductions to the cost of living for the average Israeli. Kahlon is known for his support for egalitarian economics and for issues affecting the middle class, although he also maintains a strong working-class appeal. Traditionally known for a hard line on security matters, Kahlon has in more recent times suggested support for territorial compromise for a two-state solution. He has said he is “a product of the Likud” but that his “worldview is center, slightly leaning to the right”. Michael Oren, former Ambassador of Israel to the U.S. has joined this party and is number 4 on the list of candidates.
LEFT WING PARTIES
09-Ha’Machane Ha’Tzioni (Zionist Camp) - A joint party for 2015, comprised of two leftist paties, Avodah and Hatnuah led by Isaac “Buji” Herzog and Tzipi Livni.
10-Avodah (Labor) - Founded in 1968, the Labor party is running on joint "Zionist Camp" ticket in 2015 with Hatnuah. They are a left leaning political party whose notable members include Isaac Herzog (the son of former Israeli President Haim Herzog), Shelly Yachimovich, and Stav Shaffir. Iterations of this party can be traced back to the founding of the State of Israel, but it has struggled to remain competitive. For the 2015 elections, Herzog has announced a joint slate with Hatnuah’s Tzipi Livni, and if they win enough seats to form the next government, Herzog would serve as prime minister for the first two years, and Livni, the last two years. Labor supports a Two State Solution and a freeze on settlements. They are also in support of an increase in transparency and a cut to government funding over the Green Line.
11-Hatnuah (The Movement) - Founded in 2012 by Tzipi Livni, this Left leaning party is running on a joint "Zionist Camp" ticket with Labor. Former Foreign Minister and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni founded Hatnuah and campaigned on the idea that peace with the Palestinians was both attainable and necessary. She was the first to join the Netanyahu coalition in 2013 as Justice Minister and Chief Peace Negotiator. Hatnuah believes that only a Two State Solution can allow Israel to keep its values as a Jewish, democratic state and blames Israeli settlements for failing to reach peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
12-Meretz (Vigor) - Founded in 1992, Meretz is considered a progressive party with rising popularity and self identifies as leftist. They concentrate on social justice and equality issues and campaign for peace with the Palestinians. They have been very critical of PM Netanyahu's policies, including settlement expansions and their perceived lack of negotiations with Palestinians. They very much support a Two State Solution and have expressed support for Palestinian efforts to achieve statehood at the UN. Notable members of Meretz include Zehava Gal-On, Nitzan Horowitz, and Tamar Zandberg.
ARAB PARTIES
13-Hadash (acronym for Ha’Hazit Ha’Demokratit Le’Shalom u’Le’Shivion - The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) - In 2015, Hadash joined the United List with Balad, and Ra’am-Ta’al, the other Arab parties. The only Jewish-Arab party, Hadash was founded in 1977 and comprises what remains of the Israeli Communist Party. They advocate for a Two State Solution based on the borders as they were in 1967 and would like for Israel be defined secularly without reference to being a Jewish state.
14-Ra'am-Ta'al (Two parties that united: Ra’am - acronym for Reshima Aravit Me’uhedet - United Arab List and Ta’al: acronym for Tnu’a Aravit Le’Hithadshut - Arab Movement for Renewal) - Israel’s only Islamic party, founded in 2006, is joining with Hadash and Balad in 2015 as a United Arab List. Ra’am has endorsed the unification of state and religion, lobbying for Sharia courts and supports a modern day Islamic caliphate. For the 2013 elections, Ra’am joined with Ta’al, a smaller Arab party that concentrates on issues of equal rights for Palestinian-Israeli citizens and the peace process. The party supports a Palestinian state based on the borders as they were in 1967 and blames the Netanyahu government for sabotaging a negotiated Two State Solution.
15-Balad (acronym for Brit Le’umit Demokratit - Nation) - Part of the United List with the other Arab parties, Balad is a non-religious, anti-Zionist organization which supports Arab nationalism. Its leader, Hanin Zoabi, has been barred from Knesset for supporting Palestinian terrorists. The party supports the removal of Jewish from the definition of the State of Israel and supports ceding all territory captured in 1967. They claim there is no hope for democracy without ending the “Zionist regime.”
The Israeli Election Process
Israel has a parliamentary system based on nation-wide proportional representation. The Prime Minister, who heads Israel’s government, is chosen from among the members of the newly elected Knesset, Israel’s parliament. This means that voters elect nationally registered political parties—not local candidates. Each party receives representation in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament) proportional to how many votes it gets. Parties must meet a threshold of at least 3.25 percent of the vote to qualify for seats in the Knesset (the threshold was recently raised from 2 percent, making it harder for small parties to get into the Knesset). Parties individually determine their own list of candidates, including by internal election or appointment (aka Primaries). National elections will determine the composition of the 20th Knesset and will determine the composition of the government to be established based on these results.
Any Israeli over the age of 18 residing in the Jewish State may vote. Israelis of all ethnic groups and religious beliefs, including Arab-Israelis, actively participate in the process. Every eligible Israeli citizen is automatically registered. Because Israel is a parliamentary democracy, in which parties run on lists and the electorate votes for parties rather than candidates, it is virtually impossible for one party to win a majority in the Knesset and coalition governments between tense partners are the norm. Elections are required to be held every four years, but because of unstable coalitions, elected Israeli governments rarely last the entire term, and elections are often held early (and this has been the case over the past decade).
The entire country constitutes a single electoral constituency. In Israel's proportional representation system, candidates represent national parties and not electoral districts or local constituencies. The Knesset is elected directly by the voters, not through a body of electors. On Election Day, voters cast one ballot for a single political party to represent them in the Knesset. All votes cast are equal in weight. Elections are by secret ballot. The 120 Knesset seats are assigned in proportion to each party's percentage of the total national vote. Israel has many parties vying for 120 Knesset seats.
Knesset elections are based on a vote for a party rather than for individuals, and the parties competing for elections to the 20th Knesset reflect a wide range of outlooks and beliefs. The number and order of members entering the new Knesset for each party corresponds to its list of candidates as presented for election. For example, if a party receives 10 mandates, the first ten candidates on its list enter the new Knesset. Prior to the elections, each party submits its list of candidates for the Knesset (in order of precedence). The parties select their candidates for the Knesset in primaries or by other procedures. Only registered parties or an alignment of two or more registered parties can present a list of candidates and participate in the elections. Knesset seats are assigned in proportion to each party's percentage of the total national vote. A party's surplus votes, which are insufficient for an additional seat, can be transferred to another party according to agreements made between them prior to the election. If no agreement exists, the surplus votes are distributed according to the parties' proportional sizes in the elections. The Prime Minister is selected from among the Knesset members. The President of the State assigns the task to the Knesset member considered to have the best chance of forming a viable coalition government in light of the Knesset election results.
The government (cabinet of ministers) is the executive authority of the state, charged with administering internal and foreign affairs, including security matters. When a new government is to be formed, the President of the State - after consulting with representatives of the parties elected to the Knesset - assigns the task of forming the government to a Knesset member. This Knesset member is usually the leader of the party with the largest Knesset representation or the head of the party that leads a coalition of more than 60 members. Since a government requires the Knesset's confidence to function, it must have a supporting coalition of at least 61 of the 120 Knesset members.
To date, no single party has received enough Knesset seats to be able to form a government by itself; thus all Israeli governments have been based on coalitions of several parties. Those remaining outside the government compose the opposition. The Knesset member to whom the task is assigned has a period of 28 days to form a government. The President may extend the term by an additional period of time, not exceeding 14 days. If this period (up to 42 days) has passed and the designated Knesset member has not succeeded in forming a government, the President may then assign the task of forming a government to another Knesset member. This Knesset member has a period of 28 days for the fulfillment of the task. There are no further extensions.
If a government still has not been formed, an absolute majority of Knesset members (61) has the option of applying in writing to the President, asking him to assign the task to a particular Knesset member. Such a precedent has yet to occur. When a government has been formed, the designated Prime Minister presents it to the Knesset within 45 days of publication of election results in the official gazette. At this time, he announces its composition, the basic guidelines of its policy and the distribution of functions among its ministers. The Prime Minister then asks the Knesset for an expression of confidence. The government is installed when the Knesset has expressed confidence in it by a majority of 61 Knesset members. Then the new ministers assume their offices.
OTHER STORIES
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/02/russia-arab-muslims-lookout-bird.html (ISR BIRD MIGRATION)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/did-current-day-haman-die-finally.html (IRAN LEADER DEAD)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/hardline-leader-in-iran-elected-to.html (IRAN DEAD PERSIST)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/is-congress-stepping-in-to-iran.html (SEN LETTER TO IRAN)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/did-someone-off-putinor-just-another.html (IS PUTIN DEAD)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/is-world-european-union-dictator-or.html (DICTATOR)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/european-union-get-that-army-together.html (EU ARMY)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/four-fallacies-of-european-union-policy.html (EU FOR POLICY)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/the-world-government-allegience-to.html (MICROCHIP IMPLANT)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/israel-finds-coins-and-jewelty-in-under.html (COINS DISCOVERED)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/the-58-democrates-who-skipped-benjamin.html (JUDGEMENTS)
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/cern-end-of-world-demons-unleashed-from.html (CERN)
FERGESON AND OTHER TERRORIST AND VARIOUS STORIES
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/ham-or-blacks-of-today-are-giants-or.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/even-though-blacks-in-fergeson-missouri.html
OTHER ISRAELI STORIES
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/abbas-we-must-reexamine-israeli-ties.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/idf-expects-major-terror-attack-from.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/02/could-this-new-nato-of-arab-nations-be.html
ISAIAH 57:20-21
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
REVELATION 13:1
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.(THE EU AND ITS DICTATOR IS GODLESS)
REBUILT 3RD TEMPLE
REVELATION 11:1-2
1 And there was given me a(MEASURING) reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out,(TO THE WORLD NATIONS) and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.(JERUSALEM DIVIDED BUT THE 3RD TEMPLE ALLOWED TO BE REBUILT)
DANIEL 9:27
27 And he( THE ROMAN,EU PRESIDENT) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week:(1X7=7 YEARS) and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,(3 1/2 yrs in TEMPLE SACRIFICES STOPPED) and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
DANIEL 11:31
31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.(3RD TEMPLE REBUILT)
DANIEL 12:11
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away,(AT THE MIDPOINT OF THE TRIBULATION PERIOD)(3RD TEMPLE SACRIFICES STOPPED BY DICTATOR) and the abomination that maketh desolate set up,(TO WORSHIP THE DICTATOR OR DIE) there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.(1,290 DAYS)(AN EXTRA 30 DAYS AT THE END OF THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD FOR JESUS TO DESTROY THE ARMIES AGAINST JERUSALEM.AND TO JUDGE THE SHEEP AND GOAT NATIONS OF MATTHEW 25:31-46-HOW THEY TREATED ISRAEL DURING THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD.AND THEN I BELIEVE JESUS WILL REBUILD THE 4TH TEMPLE 25 MILES FROM THE CURRENT TEMPLE MOUNT.AND THEN JESUS RULES FOR THE 1,000 YEARS-THEN FOREVER FROM THAT 4TH TEMPLE.)
MATTHEW 24:15-16
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)(THE DICTATOR SITS IN THE REBUILT 3RD TEMPLE CALLING HIMSELF GOD AT THE MIDPOINT OR 3 1/2 YEAR PERIOD OF THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION PERIOD.OR 7 YEAR PEACE TREATY BETWEEN ISRAEL-ARABS AND MANY OF DANIEL 9:27)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Last year Home and Construction Minister Uri Ariel called for Israel to build the Third Temple where the Dome of the Rock and the al-Asqa Mosque now stand. M.K. Moshe Feiglin has been calling for a change in the status quo for years. He once said if he was elected Prime Minister, he would rebuild the Third Temple. He's been advocating for allowing prayer on the Temple Mount, and when Prime Minister Netanyahu asked Israeli elected officials to show restraint in visiting the Temple Mount, Feiglin ignored him. MK Naftali Bennett has also expressed his dissatisfaction with maintaining the status quo by expressing his desire to see Israel exert greater control over the Temple Mount.It's not just a few government officials that are advocating for a radical change in the status quo. The Temple Institute has just raised $104,000 to draw up architectural plans to build the Third Temple. And its website states that their goal is to remove the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque to build a Third Temple.
Geo-politically, the Temple Mount has to be cleared of the Dome of the Rock and the mosques which are presently located upon it before the physical rebuilding of the Holy Temple can begin. Many scenarios can be imagined which would accomplish this, the most promising, and not necessarily the most far-fetched, would entail Moslem recognition of the Mount as the intended location for the rebuilt Temple. With the acquiescence of the Moslem world the Moslem structures currently on the Mount would be disassembled and reassembled elsewhere. traditionally, Moslem texts, beginning with the Koran, accept the prophecies of the return of the Jewish nation and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. Today, of course, radical Islam holds sway over the Moslem world, and until this phenomenon is defeated, the likelihood of a peaceful preparation for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple remains nil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffwb8_ABxVI#t=30
A 200-pound. gold menorah, built for use in a future Third Temple by the Temple Institute, stands in a case overlooking the Western Wall in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
Chaim Richman, international director of the Temple Institute, standing next to a replica of the holy ark at an exhibit of Third Temple vessels in the institute’s offices in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
The high priest’s diadem, created for use in a future third temple by the Temple Institute, at an exhibit of Third Temple vessels in the institute’s offices in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
A model of the Second Temple at an exhibit of Third Temple vessels in the Temple Institute’s offices in Jerusalem. (Ben Sales/JTA)
BENJAMIN NETANYAHUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4XJnRPZjXhgvVMhXKNSJvQ
ON CNN AROUND 2008 ALSO.BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAID HE THINKS HE WAS PUT IN OFFICE TO REBUILD THE 3RD TEMPLE.HE BELIEVES GOD WILL USE HIM TO REBUILD THE 3RD TEMPLE. AND I MYSELF DO BELIEVE BIBI WILL WIN THE MARCH 17,2015 ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL.
100,000 raised to rebuild 3rd temple.Temple Institute says 900 donors from 30 countries donated to 60-day campaign.http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/International-crowdfunding-campaign-to-build-Third-Temple-raises-over-100000-376610
Anita Fuentes predicts Iran attacks Israel between Mar 20th and Apr 3,2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EREXwVwpUyY&index=3&list=UUbynpLgKGOAQDqWZceDs-aw
Benjamin Netanyahu Prophecy 3 TERMS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-PUo9Bc3Vk&list=UUbynpLgKGOAQDqWZceDs-aw&index=2
Prophetic Word spoken by Wendy Alec regarding Benjamin Netanyahu in April 2008:NOT ONE TERM – NOT TWO TERMS – BUT THREE TERMS AS PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL YOU SHALL SEE
For My son – I have heard your voice in past years lifted up to me in the midnight hour and even in the months and the years past – when you were passed over in office, My son – KNOW THIS – THAT YOU WERE NOT PASSED OVER BY ME. For I, the Lord God of Israel – I, the sovereign God of the earth have raised you up – BY MY OWN HAND. I have raised you up and I saw the struggle in your soul – and I heard you say – it should be me – this is my role – this is my place. But I have guarded YOU JEALOUSLY, says the Lord, even as I have guarded ISRAEL JEALOUSLY. And I have kept you, son – For a SET time and a season – for the latter days For like King David I have taken you even from the sheepfold and I have raised you up for such a time and for such a PLACE and for such a SEASON I have raised you up says the Lord. For I have not raised you up not for your own sake My son – But FOR JERUSALEM’S SAKE I have raised YOU UP and as you have watched the political powers shift and sway – know this My child – I have chosen you by my own hand - NOT for the seasons of the PAST or the seasons of the immediate present but with deliberate intent I have kept you for THIS NEXT and this SOON COMING SEASON and I tell you, My son – THIS SEASON COMES SWIFTLY TOWARDS YOU I tell you, My son – this season descends SWIFTLY upon you and even as ISRAEL was born even in a day. The nation was born even in a day so, like ISRAEL the nation you are hewn from, EVEN IN A DAY – I SHALL SET YOU IN OFFICE - IN THE HIGH PLACE AS RULER OF ISRAEL YOU SHALL BE. For NOT ONE TERM says the Lord. Not TWO terms says the Lord. But THREE terms – says the Lord
For NOT ONE TERM says the Lord. Not TWO terms says the Lord. But THREE terms. And then the time of the END. And you shall see and marvel. And you shall see that I, the Lord GOD of Israel and NO MAN has done this thing. Not by your own strength or the strength of others, says the Lord. BUT BY MY HAND. I shall set you on high. And I shall set you as a WATCHMAN over my Land as a WATCHMAN over the WALLS of Jerusalem and even like King David YOUR REIGN shall be. And it shall be JUST IN TIME says the Lord. JUST IN TIME
For your voice shall cry out against the plans of MEN. And your voice shall cry out against the strategies of the enemy. And it shall be different than before. For your voice shall roar in the White House and your voice shall roar in the United Nations and your voice shall resound even to the European Union And you shall say NO – It is ENOUGH NO – Jerusalem is OUR’S. Jerusalem is the Lord our God’s.
For I tell you, child – you shall yet see things in your day that will make grown men tremble. Remember My son – that I HAVE SET YOU – to water and nurture and GUARD my people ISREAL and GUIDE My people ISRAEL. I HAVE JEALOUSLY GUARDED YOU TO RELEASE YOU TO REIGN OVER Israel in the time of the END. Be FAITHFUL My son. Cry out to Me for WISDOM in these coming days, My son. Honour My name among your people Israel, My son. And WHEN YOU SEE these things come to pass – REMEMBER ME says the Lord.
And I will set a flame of fire around you in your days of office And many, many, many will be the sinister schemes laid in secret against you But I shall PROTECT YOU says the Lord And you shall know my covering. You shall know my protection and you shall know My grace. And even in your personal life says the Lord, I am about to pour a great oil and balm upon you – And you shall know PEACE and REST on all sides of your personal life, My son. And it shall be My blessing upon you.
While the nations rage against you and I shall hook out the nations even those of the West that the world shall see their true intents and their evil schemes against My Land. And no longer shall their intentions remain hidden from view, says the Lord For I am roused with a holy anger against them and as you speak I SHALL SPEAK. And as you roar I SHALL SURELY ROAR FROM ZION. For you are My chosen vessel for Israel in these last and coming days.
NETANYAHU SPEECHES CONGRESS-AIPAC MAR 2,3RD 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=magIuMBx3x0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXqMZY0xNw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45lyp8EeBNs
http://www.prophecydude.org/signs/third-temple/
NOT RELATED STORY-92 spain closing ceremonies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck9OoY3b9WI
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/tens-of-thousands-rally-in-tel-aviv.html
http://israndjer.blogspot.ca/2015/03/isis-attacks-christian-villages-in.html
ISRAELI 2015 ELECTION RESULTS MAR 17,2015
http://www.israelelection2015.org/candidates/#LikudList
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IsraelElectionsGuide
http://www.israelemb.org/washington/NewsAndEvents/Pages/FAQ_Elections_Israel.aspx
http://www.israelelection2015.org/parties/
Explore the societal aspects, and political implications of the voting trends, as we follow the results live from Israel. Sponsored by the Israel Action Center and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.Tuesday, March 17-7:00 - 9:00 PM
The 2015 Israeli Elections
Israel last held elections in 2013 with the Likud-Beitenu party winning the most seats. A coalition government was formed with the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu, Yesh Atid and the Jewish Home parties. In late November and early December, 2014, a series of major disagreements between these parties erupted over numerous issues, including a proposed “Value Added Tax Law” (a bill proposing zero-rate VAT for first-time home buyers) and a proposed legislation called the "Jewish Nation State Bill" (which sought to resolve the tension between the country's dual Jewish and democratic character, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. It aspired to do so by defining Jewishness as the default nature of the state in any instance, legal or legislative, in which the state's Jewishness and its democratic aspirations clash). This lead to a call for the 2015 elections by the ruling coalition.On December 2nd, Likud announced a government dissolution bill, with a vote schedule for December 8th. Later on the 2nd, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Tzipi Livni and Yair Lapid from their cabinet positions. The government dissolution bill passed its 3rd reading on December 3, 2014 by a vote of 93-0. After some pushback from several parties, the date for the 2015 elections was set for March 17, 2015.
Major Issues in the 2015 Elections
These elections have become very personal to the Israeli voter and increasingly distasteful in terms of attacks on candidates. Similar issues that arose in 2013 with regards to the economy are somewhat present. Israel as a whole has weathered the global economic downturn favorably, but the gap between the “haves” and “have not’s” has only increased. The cost of living and housing have sky-rocketed while wages have stagnated or even dropped. Many average Israelis have trouble "finishing the month" and meeting their cost of living financial obligations. This is in addition to the regular security issues, including the Iranian threat and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which accompany every election campaign.
The 2015 election is forcing the Israeli voters to decide where on the political spectrum they would like their government to be. This election is forcing them to declare a conservative/right wing or liberal/left wing outlook on questions including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlement building and funding, how the State of Israel defines itself, budget priorities, etc. There is also a growing sentiment of "just not Bibi" as many citizens and politicians have grown weary of PM Netanyahu's politics and tactics, who has served as Israel's PM for the last six consecutive years, nine years total since 1996. They are concerned that nothing would change positively if PM Netanyahu were elected for a third consecutive term. On the other hand, there is a growing attack against the Israeli left, which has adopted the name “The Zionist Camp”, claiming that they are not really Zionists and are acting against the State of Israel.
THE TOP 15 OF THE 26 PARTIES THAT THE ISRAELIS HAVE A CHANCE TO VOTE FOR.ARE.
RIGHT WING PARTIES
01-Likud (Consolidation) - Israel's current ruling party led by current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was founded in 1973. In the 2015 elections, this party is campaigning on issues of security and national identity hoping to appeal to its right-wing base constituency. The party has moved further right than in previous elections with the hope that if it wins enough mandates, it will create natural connections with other far right and ultra-Orthodox parties to form a coalition. PM Netanyahu (Bibi) is running for his 3rd consecutive term and faces a growing "just not Bibi" sentiment. Likud has publicly endorsed a Two State Solution and leadership entered into peace negotiations led by the U.S. in both 2010 and 2013, but PM Netanyahu said current security threats prevent that solution from viability, blaming the collapse of peace talks on the Palestinians’ rejection of all reasonable offers. The other major issue Likud supports this election cycle, and the main reason for the collapse of the current government is the "Jewish Nation State Bill" which emphasizes the Jewish characteristics of Israel above the democratic characteristics of the state. However, PM Netanyahu has clearly stated he will not agree to any legislation that undermines Israel's democratic values.
02-HaBayit HaYehudi (Jewish Home) - Led by Naftali Bennet, this party is considered very right wing. It was founded in 2008 and is associated with the religious Zionist and settler movements. This party was also a part of the government elected in 2013 with Bennet serving as the Minister of Economics and Uri Ariel, deputy to Bennet, serving as Minister of Housing which legislates and controls the settlements. HaBayit Hayehudi and its leadership are opposed to a Two State Solution and any type of withdrawal from the West Bank. Bennet proposed, instead, that Israel should offer full citizenship to Palestinians living in "Area C" which represents about 2/3 of the West Bank area. By controlling the Housing Ministry, HaBayit Hayehudi has been able to push its policies of expanding settlement housing. Naftali Bennet was also instrumental in pushing the introduction and hopeful passage of the “Jewish Nation State Bill” as he made his joining the 2013 ruling coalition contingent on its passage.
03-Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home) - A secular nationalist party headed by Avigdor Lieberman, founded in 1999 for Jews born in the former Soviet Union. Lieberman, as party leader, served as Foreign Minister as part of Netanyahu's 2013 ruling coalition. However, Yisrael Beiteinu pulled out of the coalition after criticizing PM Netanyahu's restraint in managing the Gaza escalation (“Protective Edge”) in the summer of 2014. Lieberman and consequently Yisrael Beiteinu, is now a vocal part of the "just not Bibi" chorus for the 2015 election. However, this party is under great scrutiny after an investigation into alleged corruption by party officials. Recently, the party's stance on a Two State Solution has been changed to call instead for a regional peace agreement based around the establishment of a state for Palestinians. The plan released by the party does not deliver specifics, but does affirm the idea that giving up territory for peace is viable and that the Israeli people must take precedence over the unity of the land.
ULTRA ORTHODOX PARTIES
04-Shas (Sephardic Guards) - Founded in 1984 as a home for ultra-Orthodox Sephardim, this party has a history of playing both spoiler and kingmaker in ruling coalitions across the political spectrum. For practically the first time since its establishment, it was not part of the 2013 governing coalition and has seen its popularity fall after its spiritual leader and founder, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, died in the last year. After Rabbi Ovadia’s passing, there has been a struggle for leadership of the party between current leader Aryeh Deri and Eli Yishai, leader of a faction within the party. Yishai formed a new party for the 2015 elections. Deri, and thus Shas, has endorsed an interim peace agreement with the Palestinians affirming the idea that trading land for a lasting peace is acceptable, but has also said a lasting peace is not possible until solving the problem of Hamas. Deri is also very public about condemning anti-Arab hate crimes and makes clear that Shas cares about all citizens of Israel including Arabs.
05-Ha'am Itanu (The People Are With Us) - A faction from within Shas led by Eli Yishai broke away to form this party in 2015. Yishai claims Ha’am Itanu is the path which Rabbi Ovadia Yosef would have taken. Yishai opposes settlement freezes in the West Bank, does not believe Israel should negotiate with the Palestinians until significant changes have been made on their side, and felt that PM Netanyahu was wrong to hold back during “Operation Pillar of Defense” in 2012 and instead should have sent “Gaza back to the Middle Ages.” Yishai is anti-immigration and has called for the deportation and repatriation of migrants with the sole goal of maintaining the Jewish majority in Israel.
06-Yahadut Ha’Torah (United Torah Judaism) - This party, founded in 1992, can be described as an alliance of Hasidic rabbis and their interest groups. They work to obtain funding for Haredi institutions and to keep the State of Israel’s relationship between state and religion in tact. UTJ does not allow female candidates. This party will not accept cabinet positions in the government and identifies as non-Zionist. The majority of support for this party comes from Haredi settlers in the West Bank in places like Modi’in Illit and Beitar Illit. They have proposed a bill that would require a supermajority in Knesset before Israel could hold negotiations regarding the status of Jerusalem. UTJ considered supporting PM Netanyahu’s “Jewish Nation State Bill” before the government collapsed.
CENTER PARTIES
07-Yesh Atid (There is a Future) - Founded in 2013 by popular television personality, Yair Lapid, they were the surprise winner of the 2nd most seats in the in the 2013 elections with 19 seats. Yesh Atid's appeal in 2013 was to middle-class voters who were frustrated with Israel’s political system and economic policies. In the 19th Knesset, Lapid served as Finance Minister. His popularity over the last 2 years has plummeted, as he is perceived to have not delivered many of the economic promises he made. Lapid, meanwhile, has accused PM Netanyahu of being out of touch with the Israeli voter. The party believes in a Two-State Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but they have concentrated more on domestic issues than foreign policy. Yesh Atid is a Center Left party. Notable members include Silver Spring native Rabbi Dov Lipman, Yaakov Peri, and Shai Peron.
08-Kulanu (All of us) - A brand new party established in late 2014 by former Welfare Minister Moshe Kahlon formerly of the Likud party. Kahlon gained praise for helping reform the Israeli communications market thereby reducing the price of cell phone services when he was Welfare Minister. The focus of this party is on “clean” lawmakers and reductions to the cost of living for the average Israeli. Kahlon is known for his support for egalitarian economics and for issues affecting the middle class, although he also maintains a strong working-class appeal. Traditionally known for a hard line on security matters, Kahlon has in more recent times suggested support for territorial compromise for a two-state solution. He has said he is “a product of the Likud” but that his “worldview is center, slightly leaning to the right”. Michael Oren, former Ambassador of Israel to the U.S. has joined this party and is number 4 on the list of candidates.
LEFT WING PARTIES
09-Ha’Machane Ha’Tzioni (Zionist Camp) - A joint party for 2015, comprised of two leftist paties, Avodah and Hatnuah led by Isaac “Buji” Herzog and Tzipi Livni.
10-Avodah (Labor) - Founded in 1968, the Labor party is running on joint "Zionist Camp" ticket in 2015 with Hatnuah. They are a left leaning political party whose notable members include Isaac Herzog (the son of former Israeli President Haim Herzog), Shelly Yachimovich, and Stav Shaffir. Iterations of this party can be traced back to the founding of the State of Israel, but it has struggled to remain competitive. For the 2015 elections, Herzog has announced a joint slate with Hatnuah’s Tzipi Livni, and if they win enough seats to form the next government, Herzog would serve as prime minister for the first two years, and Livni, the last two years. Labor supports a Two State Solution and a freeze on settlements. They are also in support of an increase in transparency and a cut to government funding over the Green Line.
11-Hatnuah (The Movement) - Founded in 2012 by Tzipi Livni, this Left leaning party is running on a joint "Zionist Camp" ticket with Labor. Former Foreign Minister and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni founded Hatnuah and campaigned on the idea that peace with the Palestinians was both attainable and necessary. She was the first to join the Netanyahu coalition in 2013 as Justice Minister and Chief Peace Negotiator. Hatnuah believes that only a Two State Solution can allow Israel to keep its values as a Jewish, democratic state and blames Israeli settlements for failing to reach peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
12-Meretz (Vigor) - Founded in 1992, Meretz is considered a progressive party with rising popularity and self identifies as leftist. They concentrate on social justice and equality issues and campaign for peace with the Palestinians. They have been very critical of PM Netanyahu's policies, including settlement expansions and their perceived lack of negotiations with Palestinians. They very much support a Two State Solution and have expressed support for Palestinian efforts to achieve statehood at the UN. Notable members of Meretz include Zehava Gal-On, Nitzan Horowitz, and Tamar Zandberg.
ARAB PARTIES
13-Hadash (acronym for Ha’Hazit Ha’Demokratit Le’Shalom u’Le’Shivion - The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) - In 2015, Hadash joined the United List with Balad, and Ra’am-Ta’al, the other Arab parties. The only Jewish-Arab party, Hadash was founded in 1977 and comprises what remains of the Israeli Communist Party. They advocate for a Two State Solution based on the borders as they were in 1967 and would like for Israel be defined secularly without reference to being a Jewish state.
14-Ra'am-Ta'al (Two parties that united: Ra’am - acronym for Reshima Aravit Me’uhedet - United Arab List and Ta’al: acronym for Tnu’a Aravit Le’Hithadshut - Arab Movement for Renewal) - Israel’s only Islamic party, founded in 2006, is joining with Hadash and Balad in 2015 as a United Arab List. Ra’am has endorsed the unification of state and religion, lobbying for Sharia courts and supports a modern day Islamic caliphate. For the 2013 elections, Ra’am joined with Ta’al, a smaller Arab party that concentrates on issues of equal rights for Palestinian-Israeli citizens and the peace process. The party supports a Palestinian state based on the borders as they were in 1967 and blames the Netanyahu government for sabotaging a negotiated Two State Solution.
15-Balad (acronym for Brit Le’umit Demokratit - Nation) - Part of the United List with the other Arab parties, Balad is a non-religious, anti-Zionist organization which supports Arab nationalism. Its leader, Hanin Zoabi, has been barred from Knesset for supporting Palestinian terrorists. The party supports the removal of Jewish from the definition of the State of Israel and supports ceding all territory captured in 1967. They claim there is no hope for democracy without ending the “Zionist regime.”
The Israeli Election Process
Israel has a parliamentary system based on nation-wide proportional representation. The Prime Minister, who heads Israel’s government, is chosen from among the members of the newly elected Knesset, Israel’s parliament. This means that voters elect nationally registered political parties—not local candidates. Each party receives representation in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament) proportional to how many votes it gets. Parties must meet a threshold of at least 3.25 percent of the vote to qualify for seats in the Knesset (the threshold was recently raised from 2 percent, making it harder for small parties to get into the Knesset). Parties individually determine their own list of candidates, including by internal election or appointment (aka Primaries). National elections will determine the composition of the 20th Knesset and will determine the composition of the government to be established based on these results.
Any Israeli over the age of 18 residing in the Jewish State may vote. Israelis of all ethnic groups and religious beliefs, including Arab-Israelis, actively participate in the process. Every eligible Israeli citizen is automatically registered. Because Israel is a parliamentary democracy, in which parties run on lists and the electorate votes for parties rather than candidates, it is virtually impossible for one party to win a majority in the Knesset and coalition governments between tense partners are the norm. Elections are required to be held every four years, but because of unstable coalitions, elected Israeli governments rarely last the entire term, and elections are often held early (and this has been the case over the past decade).
The entire country constitutes a single electoral constituency. In Israel's proportional representation system, candidates represent national parties and not electoral districts or local constituencies. The Knesset is elected directly by the voters, not through a body of electors. On Election Day, voters cast one ballot for a single political party to represent them in the Knesset. All votes cast are equal in weight. Elections are by secret ballot. The 120 Knesset seats are assigned in proportion to each party's percentage of the total national vote. Israel has many parties vying for 120 Knesset seats.
Knesset elections are based on a vote for a party rather than for individuals, and the parties competing for elections to the 20th Knesset reflect a wide range of outlooks and beliefs. The number and order of members entering the new Knesset for each party corresponds to its list of candidates as presented for election. For example, if a party receives 10 mandates, the first ten candidates on its list enter the new Knesset. Prior to the elections, each party submits its list of candidates for the Knesset (in order of precedence). The parties select their candidates for the Knesset in primaries or by other procedures. Only registered parties or an alignment of two or more registered parties can present a list of candidates and participate in the elections. Knesset seats are assigned in proportion to each party's percentage of the total national vote. A party's surplus votes, which are insufficient for an additional seat, can be transferred to another party according to agreements made between them prior to the election. If no agreement exists, the surplus votes are distributed according to the parties' proportional sizes in the elections. The Prime Minister is selected from among the Knesset members. The President of the State assigns the task to the Knesset member considered to have the best chance of forming a viable coalition government in light of the Knesset election results.
The government (cabinet of ministers) is the executive authority of the state, charged with administering internal and foreign affairs, including security matters. When a new government is to be formed, the President of the State - after consulting with representatives of the parties elected to the Knesset - assigns the task of forming the government to a Knesset member. This Knesset member is usually the leader of the party with the largest Knesset representation or the head of the party that leads a coalition of more than 60 members. Since a government requires the Knesset's confidence to function, it must have a supporting coalition of at least 61 of the 120 Knesset members.
To date, no single party has received enough Knesset seats to be able to form a government by itself; thus all Israeli governments have been based on coalitions of several parties. Those remaining outside the government compose the opposition. The Knesset member to whom the task is assigned has a period of 28 days to form a government. The President may extend the term by an additional period of time, not exceeding 14 days. If this period (up to 42 days) has passed and the designated Knesset member has not succeeded in forming a government, the President may then assign the task of forming a government to another Knesset member. This Knesset member has a period of 28 days for the fulfillment of the task. There are no further extensions.
If a government still has not been formed, an absolute majority of Knesset members (61) has the option of applying in writing to the President, asking him to assign the task to a particular Knesset member. Such a precedent has yet to occur. When a government has been formed, the designated Prime Minister presents it to the Knesset within 45 days of publication of election results in the official gazette. At this time, he announces its composition, the basic guidelines of its policy and the distribution of functions among its ministers. The Prime Minister then asks the Knesset for an expression of confidence. The government is installed when the Knesset has expressed confidence in it by a majority of 61 Knesset members. Then the new ministers assume their offices.
