New Right (Israel political party)

Ideology and policy focus

The New Right emphasizes national security, the affirmation of Jewish identity in state institutions, and support for settlement policy in the West Bank. Economically it generally supports deregulation and private enterprise. On judicial and constitutional matters it has advocated reforms intended to recalibrate the balance between elected institutions and the courts, a subject of broad debate in Israel. The party has also aimed to appeal to both secular and religious voters, arguing that those constituencies share common priorities on security and national self‑determination.

Origins and development

The party was formed when its founders left other right‑wing groupings to create an organization intended to reach voters who did not feel represented by existing lists. From the outset New Right weighed the practical realities of Israel's electoral system, sometimes contesting elections as part of broader right‑leaning alliances and at other times presenting an independent slate. Its leaders have been prominent in national politics, holding ministerial roles in successive governments.

Role in government and electoral strategy

New Right took part in coalition negotiations following national elections and was a participant in the government often described as the Bennett–Lapid coalition. Its leadership entered into agreements with partners across the political center and right, arguing that such coalitions could advance specific policy goals while keeping more extreme forces at bay. These coalition choices illustrate a pragmatic streak: balancing ideological commitments with the need to translate votes into political influence.

Notable facts and distinctions

• Founders and prominent figures: Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked.
• Hebrew name and identity: הימין החדש, signaling a renewed right‑wing platform in Israel.
• Ideological label: described as right‑wing, with emphasis on security, identity, and market policy.
• Participation in national coalitions has been a key route to influence and policy implementation.

The New Right remains one of several parties competing for right‑leaning voters in Israel’s plural political system, distinguished by its leadership profile and its explicit effort to bridge religious and secular constituencies while pursuing conservative policy aims.