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                                                                                                                                                                                            Benjamin Netanyahu

LIKUD PARTY PLATFORM

(Note:  this version of the Likud Party Platform has been edited for length.  Feel free to view the full document).

Preamble

The right of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel is an eternal right, not subject to dispute, and includes the right to security and peace.  Zionism is the liberation movement of the Jewish people, and its fulfilment is at the top of the list of priorities of the Government of Israel.  Immigration will be increased, and settlement will be strengthened.  The decision to freeze settlements will be rescinded.  Peace will be a central aim of Israel's policy.  The Government of Israel will conduct direct negotiations with Arab states to reach peace agreements.  Security is the basis for durable peace in our region.  Israel will make security a first condition in any peace agreement.

Operatives

1. The Government of Israel will honor international agreements, and will continue the diplomatic process to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.  It will recognize the facts created on the ground by the various accords, and will act to reduce the dangers to the future and security of Israel resulting from these agreements.

 2. The Government of Israel will carry out negotiations with the Palestinian Authority to achieve a permanent peace arrangement, on condition that the Palestinians fully honor all their obligations.  Most important among these are that the Palestinians annul in an unequivocal manner the clauses in the Palestinian Charter which call for the destruction of Israel, and that they prevent terror and incitement against Israel.

 3. The Government of Israel will enable the Palestinians to manage their lives freely, within the framework of self-government.  However, foreign affairs and defense, and matters which require coordination, will remain the responsibility of the State of Israel.  The government will oppose the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

 4. Sources of employment for the Palestinians will be developed in the autonomous areas to reduce the number of Palestinian workers in the Israeli market.

 5. Jewish settlement, security areas, water resources, state land and road intersections in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip shall remain under full Israeli control.

 6. Israel will keep its vital water resources in Judea and Samaria.  There shall be no infringement of Israel's use of its water resources.

 7. United and undivided Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel.  Activities which undermine the status of Jerusalem will be banned, and therefore PLO and Palestinian Authority institutions in the city will be closed.

 8. The Jordan River shall be the eastern border of the State of Israel, south of Lake Kinneret.  This will be the permanent border between the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  The Kingdom of Jordan may become a partner in the final arrangement between Israel and the Palestinians, in areas agreed upon in the negotiations.

 9. Israel will conduct peace negotiations with Syria, while maintaining Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and its water resources.

10. The government will set a goal of having seven million Jews in Israel within the next decade.  The government will prepare the country to absorb Jews, both new immigrants and returning citizens, viewing this not only as a national undertaking but as strengthening Israel economically and culturally.

11. Settlement in all parts of the Land of Israel is of national importance and part of Israel's defense strategy.  The government will allocate special resources for settlement in border and sparcely-populated areas.

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