The political landscape of Israel underwent a seismic shift in the late 1970s, marking the first time since the country’s founding that the Labor Party did not form the government. The 1977 elections introduced a new era led by Menachem Begin and the Likud bloc, ending decades of Labor dominance. This article explores the historical context, key events, cultural shifts, and legacy surrounding Begin’s ascent to power, revealing how this change reshaped Israeli politics and society.
Historical Context: Israel’s Political Landscape Before 1977
Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, the political scene was dominated by the Labor Party and its predecessors, rooted in the socialist Zionist movement. Labor’s leadership, including David Ben-Gurion, was credited with founding and consolidating the young state, guiding it through wars, mass immigration, and state-building efforts. The party’s vision was one of social democracy, forging a welfare-oriented state with a strong security posture balanced by pragmatic diplomacy.
Opposing Labor was the Herut party, founded by Menachem Begin in 1948 after the disbandment of the militant paramilitary group Irgun . Herut was ideologically rooted in Revisionist Zionism, emphasizing the historical Jewish claim to the entire Land of Israel, including the territory east of the Jordan River. However, Herut was marginalized politically and socially for decades, partly due to Begin’s militant past and the party’s hardline rhetoric, which many Israelis viewed as a potential threat to national security and diplomatic stability.
The Emergence of Likud: A New Political Force
In 1965, Herut joined forces with the Liberal Party to form the Gahal alliance, a center-right political coalition that aimed to present a moderate yet firm alternative to Labor. This coalition eventually evolved into Likud, a broader bloc encompassing various right-wing and nationalist parties. Although Likud gained traction, it struggled to overcome the entrenched dominance of the Labor Party, which typically won more than 40 parliamentary seats compared to Likud’s fewer than 20.
Menachem Begin was a polarizing figure. International media often labeled him a “terrorist” due to his leadership of the Irgun during the British Mandate, which conducted armed resistance against British rule and Arab attacks. Within Israel, he was regarded with suspicion by many in the establishment, including Ben-Gurion, who viewed him as a potential destabilizing force. This perception kept Begin and his party on the political margins for many years.
The 1977 Elections: A Political Earthquake
The 1977 elections were unprecedented in Israeli history. For the first time, the Labor Party was defeated, and Likud emerged victorious. A notable innovation in these elections was the adoption of a British-style exit poll system by Israeli television. Voters were asked to cast a mock vote as they left polling stations, allowing analysts to predict results shortly after the polls closed.
When the exit poll results came in, they stunned everyone. The Likud bloc, including Gahal and smaller parties, secured 44 seats, while the Labor Alignment was reduced to 32. Initially, even the television executives doubted the accuracy of these results. However, as the actual votes were tallied, the reality became clear: a dramatic political change had occurred.
At 11 p.m. on election night, the news anchor famously declared, “Ladies and gentlemen, total change!” This phrase captured the mood of the nation, signaling the end of an era in Israeli politics.
Menachem Begin’s Victory Celebration: Symbolism and Style
Begin waited for the final results before celebrating, arriving at the Likud headquarters at Metzudat Ze’ev with his wife, Aliza. The atmosphere was markedly different from previous Labor celebrations. Where Labor’s supporters had been informal and casual, the Likud crowd was distinguished by suits, ties, and a more disciplined demeanor.
The building reverberated with chants of “Begin! Begin!” Begin himself wore a kippah, a Jewish skullcap, and recited a special celebratory prayer, an unusual display for Israeli politicians at the time. He thanked his wife, children, and grandchildren, invoking the words of Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address: “With malice toward none, with charity for all…”
This blend of ritual, family acknowledgment, and solemnity introduced a new political style to Israel. The television host remarked wryly that Israelis would have to get used to this new approach, which contrasted with the rougher, more secular tone of the Labor leadership.
Begin’s Political Journey: From Underground Fighter to Prime Minister
Begin’s path to power was neither smooth nor swift. He lost eight previous elections before winning on his ninth attempt, a testament to his resilience and the shifts in Israeli society. His early political career was marked by opposition to Labor’s socialist policies and a commitment to Revisionist ideals of Jewish territorial claims.
The Herut party’s original platform called for sovereignty over both banks of the Jordan River, echoing the founder Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s vision of a “Greater Israel.” This maximalist stance alarmed many Israelis, who feared it could lead to perpetual conflict. Over time, however, Begin and his party moderated their rhetoric, retreating from territorial maximalism in recognition of public sentiment and political realities.
This moderation reflected a slow, almost imperceptible evolution within Israeli right-wing politics. The once-radical claims to “Greater Israel” were softened, and the focus shifted toward practical governance and national security concerns. This pragmatic turn helped Likud gain broader acceptance.
Opposition and Challenges: Ben-Gurion’s Resistance and Political Marginalization
David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s founding father and first Prime Minister, was a formidable opponent of Begin. He sought to block Begin’s political acceptance, warning that his leadership would threaten Israel’s survival. Ben-Gurion famously disparaged Begin as a marginal figure, likening him to a person sitting next to “Doctor Bade” in the Knesset—an allusion to his perceived insignificance and extremism.
Ben-Gurion’s efforts extended beyond rhetoric. For years, the Israeli Ministry of Defense refused to recognize veterans of the Irgun and Lehi as eligible for pensions and benefits granted to members of the official Haganah militia. This institutional discrimination further entrenched Begin’s outsider status.
Despite these obstacles, Begin persevered, gradually building political legitimacy and a loyal following. His election victory symbolized the triumph of a once-marginalized political vision.
Cultural and Political Impact of Begin’s Premiership
Begin’s ascent transformed Israeli politics and culture. It introduced a new political style blending traditional Jewish symbolism with modern democratic politics. His use of family references, religious customs, and formal ceremony contrasted sharply with the secular, socialist ethos of previous governments.
Politically, Begin shifted the national discourse. While he maintained a firm stance on security, he also pursued groundbreaking peace initiatives, most notably the 1978 Camp David Accords with Egypt, which led to Israel’s first peace treaty with an Arab neighbor.
Begin’s leadership style and policies resonated with many Israelis who felt alienated from the Labor establishment. His government appealed to the middle class, religious communities, and those seeking a stronger national identity rooted in Jewish history and tradition.
Legacy: The Enduring Influence of Begin and the Likud Revolution
The 1977 election marked the beginning of a political realignment that continues to shape Israel today. Begin’s victory demonstrated that power could shift peacefully through democratic means, even in a society as complex and divided as Israel’s.
Likud’s rise challenged the old political order, bringing issues of nationalism, religion, and security to the forefront. The party’s pragmatic moderation of earlier maximalist positions paved the way for Israel’s evolving policies on settlement, peace, and national identity.
Menachem Begin’s legacy is multifaceted: a former underground fighter turned statesman, a symbol of political perseverance, and a leader who blended tradition with modern governance. His premiership opened a new chapter in Israeli history, one that redefined the nation’s political culture and set the stage for future debates over Israel’s path in an increasingly complex Middle East.
Conclusion
Menachem Begin’s rise to power was more than an electoral victory; it was a profound transformation in Israeli politics and society. From his humble beginnings as a militant leader to his historic election as Prime Minister, Begin embodied the shifting tides of Israeli national identity, political power, and cultural expression. His journey reminds us that political change is often slow, contested, and fraught with challenges—but it can also lead to renewal and new possibilities for a nation. The 1977 election remains a watershed moment, illustrating how democracy can facilitate profound change and how leadership styles evolve to reflect the aspirations of a diverse society.