National Religious Party

An Israeli political party representing the interests of the Israeli settlers and religious Zionist movement.

Formed in 1956, at the time of its dissolution in 2008, it was the second-oldest surviving party in the country after Agudat Yisrael, and was part of every government coalition until 1992. Originally a pragmatic centrist party in its first two decades of existence, it gradually leaned rightward in the following years, particularly becoming increasingly associated with Israeli settlers. Towards the end of its existence, it became part of a far-right political alliance centered around the National Union.

The 2006 elections saw the party slump to just three seats, the worst electoral performance in its history. In November 2008, party members voted to disband the party in order to join the new The Jewish Home party created by a merger of the Mafdal and most of the National Union factions. However, most of the National Union left the merger shortly after its implementation.

Leader: Chaim Moshe Shapira (1955–1970), Yosef Burg (1973–1988), Avner Hai Shaki (1988–1996), Zevulun Hamer (1996–1998), Yitzhak Levy (1998–2002), Efi Eitam (2002–2005), Zevulun Orlev (2005–2008).