Since its inception, Israel’s Likud party has caused many Palestinians to tremble with fear. Founded in 1973, in part by current Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Likud is the most conservative party in Israel, generally known for its hardline Zionist views. Many Likud members support gaining full control of Palestinian settlements, and creating Israeli settlements in all disputed territories, including the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Sinai. The party members have consistently voted against the acceptance of any Palestinian State, ever. This resistance to compromise has caused a great deal a frustration in those who desire peace, and who dream of a day when the constant battling will come to an end.

In recent years, many Israelis have begun to support a new solution, one that is still strongly nationalistic, but involves the acceptance of two distinct states. This solution reflects a new pragmatism in Israeli ideology, an acknowledgement of the reality that Israel must recognize a separate Palestinian state, or risk losing its Jewish majority and facing continued terrorism. Even PM Ariel Sharon has changed his views, and is advising the demolition of Jewish settlements in Gaza that he himself created. Followers of this belief have until recently been without a distinct political voice, and a party to fully represent them.

In November 2005, Sharon announced that he is leaving the Likud party to start a new, more centrist one, called Kadima (”Forward”). Many believe that Likud will lose significant power without Sharon, a popular figure throughout Israel. Sharon now has the opportunity to make great progress towards peace in this part of the world, which has been so hostile for so long. Kadima has already attracted support from across the board, with many former Likud members announcing their shift, along with members of the left-wing Labour party. Notably, former Labour leader Shimon Peres, who is highly respected throughout the world, and was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, recently announced his support.

Will 77-year-old Sharon mark his career with a historic peace plan, and borders that are acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians? This extraordinary change will require the support of his countrymen, and peaceful negotiations with Palestinian leaders. If Kadima continues gaining strength, and Likud extremists are increasingly marginalized, Israel may have just made a huge leap closer a peaceful future.

Originally published by InternationalistMag.com on December 5, 2005