Otzma Yehudit: the far-right party in Israeli politics
2026
Otzma Yehudit: the far-right party in Israeli politics
Otzma Yehudit, Hebrew for “Jewish Strength”, is described as a far-right or radical-right Israeli party by the Israel Democracy Institute. Its political predecessors include the Jewish National Front founded in 2004. Its early election campaigns did not cross the electoral threshold, and it later participated in broader right-wing electoral lists.
Context
Its leader Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Knesset through a joint list in 2021. The Religious Zionism alliance won fourteen seats at the 2022 election, with members from several parties including Otzma Yehudit. The party advocates extending Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank and stricter security and judicial policies, positions that supporters and critics assess very differently.
Context
Analyses should distinguish the party’s formal platform, actions by its elected representatives, public criticism and historical associations. “Far-right” is a political-science classification, not a substitute for evidence about specific statements or policies. Parliamentary records and election data are preferable to unsourced accusations.