The 2003 Israeli Elections: Labor's Increasing Irrelevance?

This report analyzes the results of the January 2003 Israeli elections and their implications for Israeli society and, indirectly, for the future of the Palestinian question. In examining voter behavior and the characteristics and trends within the main political groupings--including Labor, Likud, Meretz, Shinui, and the various "sectoral" parties--the article provides a broad portrait of the contemporary Israeli body politic. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's calculations in forming a governing coalition are also discussed.

Michel Warschawski is co-chair of the Israeli-Palestinian Alternative Information Center.