What ‘right’ and ‘left’ mean in Israel today

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-09T12:46:47.854Z • Permanent link

Israel's complex and dynamic political landscape has been shaped by decades of conflict, social change, and technological advancements. In recent years, the country has witnessed a significant shift in the definition of "right" and "left," as the traditional boundaries between these terms have become increasingly blurred. This transformation is largely driven by the growing influence of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, such as the Shas and United Torah Judaism, which have been gaining power in recent elections. For example, in the 2020 Israeli legislative election, these parties formed a coalition government with the right-wing Likud party, led by Benjamin Netanyahu.

One of the key figures behind this shift is Naftali Bennett, the leader of the Yamina party, which is a coalition of right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties. Bennett has been a vocal advocate for the integration of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the Israeli military and economy, and has proposed policies aimed at reducing the influence of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community on the country's politics and society. Bennett's party, Yamina, has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly among young voters who are seeking a more centrist and inclusive alternative to the traditional right-wing and left-wing parties.

The implications of this shift are significant, as it has the potential to fundamentally alter the nature of Israeli politics and society. For example, the ultra-Orthodox parties have long been accused of perpetuating social and economic segregation, with many Haredi communities receiving significant government subsidies and benefits while contributing relatively little to the economy. Bennett's proposed policies aim to address these issues, but it remains to be seen whether they will be effective in reducing the influence of the ultra-Orthodox community and promoting greater social and economic integration.

The shifting definition of "right" and "left" in Israel has significant implications for the country's politics, society, and economy. For example, the growing influence of ultra-Orthodox parties has led to concerns about the erosion of secular values and the rise of a more theocratic society. This, in turn, has raised questions about the future of Israel's democracy and the role of the country's institutions in promoting social justice and equality. Companies and research communities operating in Israel, such as tech firms and academic institutions, will need to navigate these changing political and social landscapes in order to remain competitive and effective.

One of the key companies that will be affected by this shift is the Israeli tech firm, Wix, which has been a major player in the country's startup scene. Wix has been criticized for its ties to the ultra-Orthodox community, with some of its founders and executives having strong connections to Haredi leaders and organizations. The company's business model, which relies heavily on online marketing and advertising, may also be vulnerable to the changing social and economic landscape in Israel. Research communities, such as the Israel Science Foundation, will also need to adapt to the new political and social realities, with a focus on promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration between secular and Haredi institutions.

The shifting definition of "right" and "left" in Israel is part of a larger pattern of social and economic change in the country. In recent years, Israel has witnessed a significant rise in nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly among the ultra-Orthodox community. This has led to increased tensions between the government and immigrant communities, including Palestinian refugees and asylum seekers. The country's economy has also been affected by the changing social and economic landscape, with many businesses struggling to adapt to the new reality.