National Union – NRP

The National Union was formed in 1999 by Rehavam Zeevi as a merger of several right-wing groups. Following Ariel Sharon's 2001 elections victory, the party joined the government, but decided to quit a day before Zeevi was murdered by Palestinian terrorists at a Jerusalem hotel.

In 2003, the party won seven Knesset seats. In 2005, Israel Our Home, which was part of the National Union, announced it will run separately in the upcoming elections. In its place, several Knesset members who quit the National Religious Party joined in, headed by Effi Eitam. Later, the National Religious Party itself also merged with the National Union.

The NRP was formed in 1956 after two religious parties united. The party took part in almost every Mapai-led government and acted to maintain the status quo in matters of religion and state. This partnership guaranteed the Interior and Religious Affairs Ministries remained in NRP's hands in almost all governments, thus turning it into the most influential religious force in Israel for many years.

After the 1967 war, the party adopted a position objecting to withdrawal from Gaza and the West Bank, a stance that was boosted later on. The new position drew the party away from Labor and closer to Likud. In 1977, the NRP dismantled what was referred to as the "historic alliance" with Labor and joined the Likud-led government, proceeding to be a part of all governments until 1992.

However, the party began a process of decline, and in the 2003 elections won six Knesset seats. The party joined the Sharon government, but quit over the implementation of the disengagement plan.

Notable figures:

Benny Elon

Zevulun Orlev

Zvi Hendel

Effie Eitam

Arieh Eldad

Uri Ariel