Israeli coalition governments: formation and duration (1949-1999)

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation identifies key aspects that have contributed to the formation and duration of Israeli coalition governments. Most importantly, it differentiates between two historical periods that have shaped Israeli coalition politics. Prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and the election of the 7th Israeli Knesset in 1969, Israeli political parties formed consensual and inclusive coalitions in response to economic, immigration, and external pressures. Low levels of party competition and the dominance of Mapai in the Israeli Knessets further contributed to the formation of large alliances. Post-1969, following the gradual decline of Labor’s electoral dominance, Israeli parties became further polarized and more competitive. External, economic, and immigration pressures, in addition to increased party competition, undermined consensual coalition formations. These factors were also relevant to the durability of alliances. Deteriorating economic, immigration, and external conditions as well as increased party competition have contributed to the shortfall of coalitions.